Some believe that spraying aerosols into the upper layers of the atmosphere can stabilize the climate. They propose using special high-altitude aircraft to spray sulfate particles into the stratosphere, achieving an effect similar to volcanic eruptions.
In theory, sulfate aerosols can indeed be used for temporary climate cooling: smaller droplets generated as a result of acidic liquids' reduced surface tension can remain in the atmosphere for extended periods of time and reflect solar radiation, lowering the Earth’s surface temperature.
The idea appeared in the mid-20th century — Edward Teller, one of the fathers of the US hydrogen bomb, was among those who voiced it. Back then, a number of unorthodox climatic "solutions" were circulating in scientific circles, ranging from "peaceful" nuclear explosions to the dispersion of metallic dust to improve radio signal. At the time, there was very little understanding of the complexity of the climate system, let alone the repercussions of such manipulations.
In theory, sulfate aerosols can indeed be used for temporary climate cooling: smaller droplets generated as a result of acidic liquids' reduced surface tension can remain in the atmosphere for extended periods of time and reflect solar radiation, lowering the Earth’s surface temperature.
The idea appeared in the mid-20th century — Edward Teller, one of the fathers of the US hydrogen bomb, was among those who voiced it. Back then, a number of unorthodox climatic "solutions" were circulating in scientific circles, ranging from "peaceful" nuclear explosions to the dispersion of metallic dust to improve radio signal. At the time, there was very little understanding of the complexity of the climate system, let alone the repercussions of such manipulations.
What scientists say
Today, some researchers, including academician Yuri Israel, advocate re-evaluating the potential of sulfate cooling. However, the overwhelming majority of climate scientists believe that such intervention is highly dangerous. It is a Faustian bargain: once aerosols are sprayed, they must be sprayed on a continuous and increasing scale to compensate for the continued growth in greenhouse gasses.
Even the tiniest loss or pause in spraying can cause a sharp fluctuation in temperature. The best solution is to eliminate the root cause, that is human-caused increases in greenhouse gas concentrations.
Even the tiniest loss or pause in spraying can cause a sharp fluctuation in temperature. The best solution is to eliminate the root cause, that is human-caused increases in greenhouse gas concentrations.
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