Chinese Drones To Remove Trash From Mount Everest

Readers, you’d think conquering the tallest mountain in the world would be enough sport, but, nope, we humans had to leave our junk behind. Well, here comes China, planning to step in with their new drones to clean up the mess.

Revolutionizing Waste Management on Everest

Nepal has turned to Chinese-made drones to haul trash off the world’s tallest peak, a novel venture that aims at reducing risks for Sherpas and improving waste management. This marks the first commercial use of UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) in Nepal’s high-altitude zones.

'Heavy lifter' drones could soon solve Mount Everest's trash problem https://t.co/vdCSk3durr

— Insider Science (@insiderscience) August 12, 2024

Why This Matters

Despite their endurance, even Sherpas struggle with the overwhelming and hazardous task of manually carrying waste down Mount Everest. The drones can carry up to 234 kg of waste per hour—a job that would typically take 14 porters six hours.

Aside from the physical toll, nearly 50 lives have been lost since 1953 navigating the treacherous Khumbu Icefall. With drones, the number of risky trips Sherpas must make will significantly be reduced.

The Technology Behind the Change

DJI, a leading Chinese drone manufacturer, is spearheading this initiative. Their FlyCart 30 drone demonstrated its capability by transporting 15 kg of supplies from Everest’s South Base Camp to Camp 1, then going back with the same weight in refuse.

The drones are slated to transport ropes and ladders up to Camp I on Everest in spring 2025 and bring garbage back to base camp. This innovative approach is supported by a memorandum of understanding (MoU) among the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee, Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality, and Airlift Technology Pvt Ltd.

#China drones carrying 234 kgs of trash an hour start 1st commercial service off #Everest in new partnership https://t.co/jSRn2i6t0l(March%2D,base%20camp%20at%205%2C364%20metres.

— ICAAsiaPacific (@copperlife) August 6, 2024

Challenges and Potential Turbulence

Still, not all skies are clear. Concerns abound over potential job losses for Sherpas due to these high-tech machines. However, Sherpas will receive training to operate these drones. Jagat Bhusal, chief administration officer of Everest’s municipality, emphasized his belief that saving lives is the most important thing.

The sheer volume of garbage—exacerbated by climate change and the influx of climbers—is overwhelming. Despite previous mandates for climbers to haul down their trash or face fines, enforcement has been dismal.

Technical Hurdles in High Altitudes

Operating drones at such high altitudes is no walk in the park. Reduced air pressure and density strain both payload capacity and battery life, posing substantial challenges. Yet, the DJI drones make the journey in a mere 12 minutes—a feat helicopters rarely attempt due to cost and danger.

The Broader Impact

Let’s not forget, DJI drones have found utility not just on Everest. Their FlyCart 30 model has been globally deployed for tasks ranging from sapling planting to solar panel installation. However, it’s worth noting that DJI is named in the US bipartisan Countering CCP Drones Act, due to alleged Chinese Communist Party ties, which could affect US operations of these drones.

From Everest to the Rest

Bravo, Chinese drones, for cleaning trash off Everest. What’s next, perhaps drones that can clear up the political messes? Oh, one can dream. Meanwhile, let’s appreciate that technology, when not being used for TikTok dances, can genuinely make the world a cleaner place.

It’s heartening to see that even in this age of tech and turmoil, there’s room for innovative solutions that respect both human effort and the environment. Until next time, folks, let’s keep climbing to new heights—responsibly.