Futureproof: Cleaning Up Everest
Future Narrative
Well, it has taken over a decade, but we now have a handle on the trash that once covered the climbing routes and basecamps of Mt. Everest. As the number of climbers increased in the 2020s, the trash challenge on the mountain seemed unsurmountable. Then, governments limited the number of climbers per year. Permitted climbers were required to carry 2 kilograms of trash to established facilities below the mountain and pay a new fee for prototyping a trash sorting, recycling, and drone-based trash “down lift” program.
Initial prototyping of drone-based trash collection was scrappy and rudimentary. Steps were taken to ensure that trash bundles would not be shredded during flight or upon landing. Everest Waste Management prototyped System 1.0, which tested and proved all end-to-end service touchpoints during three peak climbing seasons. Drone lifting limits and flight operations guidelines were established, including rules for various weather conditions. Altitude limits and expected route distances in various temperatures were also established.
Everest Waste Management applied learnings to shape the second drone fleet. Working with Weyland Industries, two versions of drones with eight lifting rotors were developed, making up a fleet of 14. The new fleet included a more robust and efficient cargo packaging and attachment system accommodating compressed trash bundles and resupply packages. Two-way routing involving flying supplies over the treacherous glacial field or to climbers in need further up the mountain and removing trash on the return leg was also made possible.
System 2.0 drones use an improved attachment system and carry dedicated trash compression cargo bags.
System 2.0 can provide supplies to climbers in need on the mountain.
This year, the Everest Drone Service, a subsidiary of Everest Waste Management, is experimenting with two rescue drones capable of lifting climbers off the mountain's highest point in favorable weather conditions. In addition to being able to send supplies to climbers in need, this will add a layer of support to those taking on the challenge of submitting the mountain.
Expanding the emergency services tent at Basecamp has further enhanced climber safety. During overcast days, Weyland micro incinerators process a small amount of trash, providing power to make up for what solar panels would otherwise provide.
Emergency services tent at base camp is powered by solar and micro incinerator units, brining modern emergency care closer to climbers in need.
The waste management and logistics support tent at basecamp is also equipped with solar and mirco-incinerator power to insure that Everest Waste Management and Everest Drone Services are up and running as needed.
Implications
As drones are used to remove trash on Mount Everest, the potential for aerial noise pollution increases.
Having drone-based supply and emergency rescue services as a safety net may diminish the significance of summiting Mount Everest for individuals.
Downmountain recycling and waste management services must be implemented to handle incoming trash.
Rescue drones increase the safety margin for climbers on the mountain and don’t put helicopter pilots at risk.
Futureproof is a series of occasional provocations illustrating possible future paths for technology and culture. Think postcards from the future.