All articles tagged with #climate intervention
Researchers from the University of Nottingham have developed innovative transmissive solar sail technology that uses sunlight bending through microscopic patterns for fuel-free spacecraft propulsion, with potential applications in deep space exploration, climate intervention, and space debris removal, paving the way for more sustainable and versatile space missions.
Scientists conducted the first outdoor test in the United States of technology designed to brighten clouds and reflect some of the sun's rays back into space as a way to temporarily cool the overheating planet. The goal is to hold global warming to a relatively safe level, but as carbon dioxide emissions continue to rise, the idea of deliberately intervening in climate systems is becoming more realistic. If successful, the next stage would involve attempting to change the composition of clouds above the Earth's oceans.
Scientists are proposing a $50 billion plan to surround the Thwaites "Doomsday" glacier in Western Antarctica with enormous curtains to prevent its melting, as current efforts to slow global warming may not be enough. The proposal aims to address the warming of ocean currents that are causing the glacier to melt, with researchers testing a prototype in water tanks and planning to scale up to a 33-foot-long curtain for further testing. While the proposal has faced criticism for being a band-aid solution that distracts from reducing greenhouse gas emissions, proponents argue that urgent action is needed to prevent the collapse of the pivotal ice sheet.
Scientists propose a climate intervention strategy to reduce water vapor in the stratosphere by injecting it with ice-forming nuclei, aiming to allow more heat to escape into space. The idea, described in a study published in Science Advances, targets a small amount of water vapor to mitigate the greenhouse effect. While models suggest the idea can work, technical challenges remain in implementing the strategy, and further research is needed to identify potential risks and unintended effects.
Scientists are resorting to once-unthinkable techniques such as dumping chemicals in the ocean and spraying saltwater into clouds in a desperate attempt to cool the planet as global efforts to check greenhouse gas emissions are failing. These geoengineering approaches were once considered taboo but are now being tested outdoors with taxpayer funds and private investments. However, there are concerns about the short and long term risks, including unintended consequences and the potential for massive spending without guaranteed success.