solar geoengineering
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Cloud brightening experiment in California temporarily stopped
Local officials in California have halted a cloud brightening experiment due to potential health concerns, as researchers tested a technology to combat global warming by reflecting sunlight.
In short:
- The University of Washington researchers were using a device to spray sea-salt particles on the U.S.S. Hornet to increase cloud reflectivity.
- The experiment began on April 2 and was the first of its kind conducted outdoors in the U.S.
- Alameda city officials demanded a halt on May 4, requesting further review of the experiment's health and environmental impacts.
Why this matters:
Geoengineering solutions like cloud brightening are being considered to manage the Earth's temperature amidst rising global greenhouse gas emissions. While offering potential short-term relief, they also pose significant scientific and ethical questions, emphasizing the ongoing struggle to balance technological intervention with natural climate solutions.
Related EHN coverage:
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Exploring solar geoengineering's potential and perils
As the climate crisis deepens, the siren song of solar geoengineering beckons, but the law of unintended consequences looms large.
In short:
- Solar geoengineering, once a taboo subject, is gaining traction as a possible climate change solution, involving strategies like reflecting sunlight via particles in the stratosphere.
- Concerns include the risk of "termination shock" and altering rainfall patterns, highlighting the necessity for global participation in research.
- Recent backlash against outdoor experiments underscores the urgent need for transparency and public engagement in geoengineering discussions.
Key quote:
"I’m increasingly convinced that we should do more research on solar geoengineering. But such high-stakes science requires extraordinary levels of transparency and accountability to the global public."
— Jeremy Freeman, executive director of CarbonPlan, a climate research nonprofit
Why this matters:
With the growing interest in solar geoengineering as a "Band-Aid" for climate change, this essay urges caution and care in navigating the ethical and environmental implications. Ideas to dim the sun 'ignore the root cause' of the climate crisis – and create a cascade of unintended problems, scientists and activists say.
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Newsletter
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Tribal concerns rise as solar geoengineering experiments advance
Recent solar geoengineering experiments in Nevada, involving sulfur dioxide balloon releases, have sparked significant tribal consent issues, highlighting a growing conflict in climate intervention strategies.
In short:
- Solar geoengineering, aimed at cooling the planet, is being tested by releasing sulfur dioxide, but raises environmental and health concerns.
- Indigenous tribes, whose airspace was crossed during tests, were not consulted, leading to questions about consent and authority.
- The approach reflects a broader trend of 'green colonialism', where climate solutions overlook Indigenous rights and participation.
Key quote:
“It’s essentially another form of colonialism.”
— Shuchi Talati, founder and executive director of the Alliance for Just Deliberation on Solar Geoengineering
Why this matters:
This issue underscores the delicate balance between innovative climate solutions and respecting Indigenous rights, emphasizing the need for inclusive decision-making in environmental policies.
Ideas to dim the sun 'ignore the root cause' of the climate crisis – and create a cascade of unintended problems, scientists and activists say.
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| BigStock Photo ID: 473254139 |
| Copyright: Solarseven |
Scientist offers novel solution to far-fetched, sun-blocking climate fix
What could go wrong?
Old bomber will sniff the sky for geoengineering aerosols
U.S. scientists plan this month to launch a multiyear study of the stratosphere to help world leaders better understand whether it’s possible to use solar geoengineering to counter global warming. And they’re going back in time to do it.
Top Story
commons.wikimedia.org
Blocking sun rays finds support in the Senate
Senators on both sides of the aisle are open to funding research on solar geoengineering, a little understood and potentially dangerous method of blocking the sun’s rays to quickly reduce global warming.
Newsletter
Sunlight reflection (solar geoengineering) must be studied: Scientists
As climate change grows more obvious, citizens will increasingly demand that we do something about it. Experts say it is better to do the research now.
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