geoengineering
Credit: T. L. Furrer/BigStock Photo ID: 22337366
Spraying salt in clouds to combat climate change comes with global risks
Marine cloud brightening could cool the Earth, but new research warns it might have unintended, global consequences.
In short:
- Marine cloud brightening (MCB) is a proposed method to reflect sunlight and cool the planet, but it’s highly controversial and lacks proper regulation.
- A recent study shows MCB could have severe global impacts, especially if used on a regional scale without careful oversight.
- Experts stress the need for international governance to manage MCB experiments and potential deployments.
Key quote:
“It is extremely important to differentiate between [small-scale field] research...and impact-scale experimentation or activities related to using or marketing climate interventions.”
— Kelly Wanser, senior adviser to the University of Washington MCB program
Why this matters:
Nobody really knows what kind of ripple effects MCB could have on the planet's weather systems. It could lead to unintended consequences, like changes in rainfall patterns or impacts on marine ecosystems that could be just as damaging as the warming we’re trying to prevent.
Read more: Solar geoengineering: Scientists decry a 'foolish' idea
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Credit: . L. Furrer/Big Stock Photo
Dr. David Keith’s proposal to cool Earth sparks debate
David Keith suggests releasing sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere to lower global temperatures, igniting both interest and concern over the potential risks and benefits of geoengineering.
In short:
- David Keith proposes using sulfur dioxide in the stratosphere to reduce global warming, drawing parallels to the cooling effect of the 1991 Mount Pinatubo eruption.
- Critics fear geoengineering could lead to unforeseen global consequences, such as altered weather patterns and health risks, and divert attention from reducing fossil fuel use.
- Keith acknowledges the risks but emphasizes the potential to save millions of lives by mitigating heat-related deaths.
Key quote:
“There are unintended consequences of powerful technologies like these, and we have no idea what they will be.”
— David Suzuki, Canadian environmentalist
Why this matters:
Geoengineering is increasingly discussed as a potential tool against climate change, but its deployment poses ethical and environmental challenges. While it might offer a temporary solution to rising temperatures, it may also introduce new risks and delay essential efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
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Credit: VectorMine/BigStock Photo ID: 436555070
Geo-engineering's potential to tackle climate change sparks debate
As climate change intensifies, scientists are exploring geo-engineering as a potential solution, but the approach raises both hope and serious concerns.
In short:
- Geo-engineering aims to cool the planet by manipulating the climate, but experts warn it could disrupt weather patterns and divert attention from reducing carbon emissions.
- Techniques like marine cloud brightening and stratospheric aerosol injection show promise but also pose risks, such as exacerbating droughts and altering global weather.
- Conspiracy theories around geo-engineering are on the rise, complicating scientific research and public acceptance.
Key quote:
“The regional impacts are very much unknown. We may be able to mitigate global average temperature [rise], but we may actually make things worse in certain regions of the world."
— Professor Liz Bentley, chief executive of the Royal Meteorological Society
Why this matters:
Whether geo-engineering is our ticket to a cooler planet or Pandora’s box, it’s a conversation that’s heating up fast. Is it better to take a risky shot at cooling the planet or stick to traditional methods like cutting emissions and hoping for the best? Read more: Opponents of geoengineering misunderstand humanity’s choices.
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Scientists seek approval for ocean experiment to combat climate change
Researchers from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution plan to test ocean alkalinity enhancement off Cape Cod to assess its potential in mitigating climate change.
In short:
- The experiment aims to release sodium hydroxide into the ocean to enhance its ability to absorb CO2.
- Environmentalists and commercial fishers oppose the project, citing potential risks to marine life and its minimal impact on climate change.
- The project will begin with a small-scale test, with a larger trial planned if initial results are promising.
Key quote:
"We wouldn't be doing this if we thought there was going to be a big impact [on marine life]."
— Dan McCorkle, co-principal investigator
Why this matters:
Ocean alkalinity enhancement could offer a new method to reduce atmospheric CO2, but its effectiveness and ecological impact remain uncertain. The project’s outcomes will inform future climate engineering efforts and policies.
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Wealthy backers undeterred by failed geoengineering test
Despite a failed attempt to block sunlight, wealthy donors plan to continue funding solar geoengineering research to combat global warming.
In short:
- Wealthy philanthropists intend to fund future solar geoengineering experiments despite a failed attempt by the University of Washington.
- The Alameda, California experiment was halted due to public backlash, but donors remain committed to advancing research in this controversial field.
- Critics argue geoengineering could impede efforts to reduce climate pollution, though funders emphasize its importance in climate science.
Key quote:
“We remain firmly committed to advancing transparent, equitable, and science-based approaches to understand and potentially mitigate climate risks.”
— Greg De Temmerman, chief science and programs officer, Quadrature Climate Foundation
Why this matters:
Continued funding for geoengineering research illustrates the urgency of addressing climate change but raises concerns about unintended environmental consequences and public opposition
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Credit: VectorMine/BigStock Photo ID: 436555070
UChicago’s climate initiative explores controversial solar geoengineering
The University of Chicago has launched a Climate Systems Engineering initiative, aiming to explore solar geoengineering, despite the controversial nature and potential risks of the field.
Jessica McKenzie reports for the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists.
In short:
- The new initiative will focus on solar geoengineering and other Earth system modifications to combat climate change.
- Solar geoengineering involves reflecting sunlight to cool the Earth, but it poses significant ethical, environmental, and geopolitical risks.
- Critics fear it could lead to reduced efforts in carbon reduction and create unpredictable climate impacts.
Key quote:
“We’re going to wish we had effective carbon dioxide removal technologies operating at scale, or we’re going to wish we knew how to modulate temperatures with various forms of geoengineering to prevent human suffering.”
— Michael Greenstone, director of the Energy Policy Institute at Chicago (EPIC)
Why this matters:
As climate change accelerates, all potential solutions, including controversial ones like solar geoengineering, appear increasingly attractive for blunting severe global impacts. Read more: Solar geoengineering: Scientists decry a 'foolish' idea.
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Credit: Paul Summers/Unsplash
NASA mission aims to freeze glaciers in place to prevent catastrophic sea-level rise
NASA's $1.5 billion NISAR satellite, launching soon, will monitor Earth's glaciers and could support interventions to halt their disintegration, crucial for coastal regions.
In short:
- The NISAR satellite, a collaboration between NASA and the Indian Space Research Organisation, will provide detailed images of the cryosphere every 12 days.
- Glaciologists are exploring technological interventions, such as freezing glaciers in place, to slow down ice loss and mitigate sea-level rise.
- The loss of the Thwaites Glacier could significantly impact global sea levels, posing a threat to coastal cities and low-lying areas worldwide.
Key quote:
"I’m not going to be satisfied simply documenting the demise of these environments that I care about."
— Brent Minchew, glaciologist at MIT
Why this matters:
Preventing glacier disintegration is vital to avoid dramatic sea-level rise that could displace millions and cause widespread ecological and economic damage. Interventions like those proposed offer potential solutions to manage this risk proactively.
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