What is the White House doing?
The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy is creating a research plan to find ways to change the amount of sunlight that reaches the Earth. This study, also known as solar geoengineering, is being carried out to help reduce the effects of global warming.
The research plan will include a review of various techniques, such as spraying aerosols into the stratosphere. This will help to reflect sunlight back into space. Scientists will also be looking into the possible effects these techniques will have on the planet.
What is solar geoengineering?
Solar geoengineering is the process of reflecting sunlight back into space. However, the idea has led to a debate. People believe that this will cause some countries and industries to prioritise other goals over lowering carbon emissions.
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) in the United States of America (USA) have suggested three different types of solar geoengineering techniques.
What are the different types of solar geoengineering techniques?
The three different types of techniques are
Stratospheric aerosol injection: In this technique, scientists would spray sulphur dioxide into the air. As a result, some of the sunlight would be reflected back into space.
Marine cloud brightening: Spraying sea salt crystals into the air is required for this process. This increases the ability of clouds near the ocean's surface to reflect sunlight.
Cirrus cloud thinning: This technique will help reduce clouds. Heat would be able to escape from the Earth's surface as a result of this.
Some of these techniques are highly risky.
What are the risks of using these techniques?
Some of the techniques are harmful to human health and the environment. Sulphur dioxide, one of the suggested aerosols, can harm the ozone layer and produce fine particles that, if inhaled, can cause lung damage.
What did we learn from this article?
From this article, we can learn that while new research can bring new ways to deal with the Earth’s problems, there are still risks that can be involved. Scientists have to find a way to use these new methods without creating more problems for humans.
