Researchers in China have developed an ultra-thin film, resembling a crystal, capable of preventing crop damage from frost while reducing pollution and plastic waste. The film, composed of germanium and zinc-sulfide, traps heat and passively warms the air underneath using specific light wavelengths, raising ground temperatures by up to nine degrees Fahrenheit without electricity.

Published in Nature, this discovery offers a sustainable alternative to traditional farming methods such as plastic sheets and heaters, which are energy-intensive and inefficient. Frost destroys 5-15% of global crops annually, impacting food supply and farmer income. Energy-intensive farming practices contribute to climate change, exacerbating extreme weather events. Farmers report significant impacts on their farms due to changing temperatures and increased pressure from pests and diseases, resulting in income reductions.

While the film’s widespread availability remains uncertain, researchers anticipate adapting it to support crops in various conditions, including desert climates. This innovative approach to night-time warming presents a promising strategy for energy conservation, contributing to efforts for carbon neutrality.

Read the original news article here.