Information
The UK government’s Advanced Research and Innovation Agency (ARIA) is investing nearly £60 million in geo-engineering research through its Exploring Climate Cooling programme. The initiative aims to combat climate change using Solar Radiation Modification (SRM) techniques, like thickening Arctic sea ice and Marine Cloud Brightening. These methods seek to mimic natural phenomena that cool the Earth, but experts like Oxford’s Raymond Pierrehumbert caution that SRM could divert attention from crucial emission reductions and potentially harm global weather systems.
Despite its potential benefits, SRM faces significant criticism for possibly causing severe side effects, such as altered rainfall patterns and public backlash linked to conspiracy theories. There is currently no international regulatory framework for geo-engineering, raising concerns about unilateral actions that could have unintended consequences. This has led to bans and cancelled experiments in various locations. Experts emphasise the necessity for global oversight and continued efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Source: BBC, Telegraph
So What
This situation feels like something straight out of a movie, which explains the significant negative attention it has received. Although this type of scientific approach could have a major impact on climate change, the long-term effects remain uncertain, raising concerns about potential significant unknown consequences. Furthermore, as mentioned in the article, an initiative like this would affect the entire world while being controlled by only a small number of nations.
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