– Scientists at NOAA and NASA have proposed a new potential climate intervention method called “stratospheric aerosol injection” that involves injecting small ice particles into the upper atmosphere to increase its reflectivity.
– This could potentially dry out the upper atmosphere and cool the planet by around 5% by reducing the amount of heat-trapping water vapor. High-flying planes would inject 2 tons of ice particles per week at an altitude of 17km.
– While it is still a very speculative idea in the early research phase, modeling suggests it could partially counteract warming from CO2 emissions on a small scale if implemented continuously.
– The approach aims to manipulate Earth’s natural processes but could have uncertain side effects. Critics argue it would not address the root cause of emissions and may introduce new problems.
– Most scientists see geoengineering as a potential emergency measure only, not an alternative to emission cuts. International organizations are concerned about potential risks from outdoor experiments.
Source: apnews
