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Can we block the sun to stop climate change? methods of acoustic stimulation in geoengineering, but have not yet been researched.
WASHINGTON DC – The goal of keeping global warming below 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels is becoming increasingly elusive. One method is gaining traction that some researchers caution against, but others want to explore further: solar geoengineering. To mitigate the effects of climate change, it is the use of climate change methods and technologies.
“Solar radiation modification” (SRM, modification of solar radiation) methods are attractively simple at first glance:
- Brightening surfaces: On Earth, surfaces (such as roofs) are brighter to reflect more sunlight. Sea ice can also be restored – it also reflects sunlight.
- Light up the clouds: Sea salt aerosols can brighten low-lying ocean clouds to increase their reflectivity (marine cloud brightening, MCB).
- Change Layer: Particles introduced into the stratosphere can reflect sunlight and cool the Earth. This phenomenon has already been practically observed during volcanic eruptions (stratospheric aerosol injection, SAI).
- Space Based Methods: For example, solar shielding from space or lunar dust, which should ensure less solar radiation.
- Replace cirrus clouds: Seeding of cirrus clouds with aerosols is because they absorb more infrared radiation than reflects sunlight (cirrus cloud thinning, CCT).
Fighting Climate Change: Politicians Think About Solar Geoengineering
A few months ago, in an open letter, several researchers called for more extensive research into SRM options. “While we fully support the research, that does not mean we support the use of solar geoengineering.” They want to study the impact of geoengineering before using it in a hopeless fight against climate change.
The past few days have shown that solar geoengineering is piqued the interest of politicians: a few days ago the European Union wanted to explore whether deflecting the sun’s rays or changing the weather are options to keep global warming in check. Now America has one Report on solar radiation change Published.
USA: Critical knowledge gaps exist in geoengineering
As research to date has been inconsistent, the report shows that there are important knowledge gaps in geoengineering. He also shows in which areas potential research would be useful to better understand the benefits and risks of SRM. It’s not just about the climate effects of geoengineering, it’s about the potential social and environmental effects – geoengineering doesn’t just affect one country, it affects all countries on Earth. The report says the benefits and risks of geoengineering must be weighed, and the focus should be on which is worse: blocking the sun or adapting to climate change.
Why Geoengineering is Controversial
Geoengineering sounds fascinating, but no one is sure if it actually works. After all, you have to try the prevailing methods – and at worst, the whole world has to live with the possible consequences. No one can predict exactly what will happen when humans experiment with the world’s climate – a complex and balanced system. The potential damage may be irreparable.
For example, a change in solar radiation can change precipitation patterns, damage the ozone layer, and thus change the lives of many people. Researchers also fear that SRM systems could affect monsoons and complicate agriculture.
Another point made by critics is that geoengineering cannot solve all the problems of climate change. For example, it does not prevent ocean acidification. Some also see the danger that too much energy will be put into geoengineering research, which will instead flow into research into climate change and countermeasures.
However, the United States does not plan to use geoengineering methods in the near future. “Importantly, this report does not represent a change in policy or operations of the Biden-Harris administration, which focuses on reducing emissions, increasing resilience, promoting environmental justice, and achieving real energy security,” the accompanying statement said. White House announcement: There are no plans for a comprehensive research program focusing on changing solar radiation, it is stressed. By publication one merely carries out the mandate of Congress. (tab)
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