In the wake of climate change, geoengineering in the form of sun shading was beginning to give some hope, however the idea seems to be losing its appeal among its prospective users. Fears are that domino effect of sun shading would be dangerous.
No longer had the idea started finding acclamation to tackle global warming propelled climate change, it seems it is ready to bite the dust for the fear of a probable catastrophic drought. It looked apparent that sulphur sunshades could easily saturate the heat from the atmosphere, cooling it in return. The idea derived from thunderous volcanic eruptions that explode millions and billions of sulphur particles in the atmosphere, which would counter-radiate the solar insolation back into space, leaving a cooling effect instead. But, the outcome of such a deliberate modification of the earth’s environment would not be in favor of precipitation in the same way as the El Nino and volcanic eruptions mark a decline in rainfall.
Moreover, the sulphate shields need to be replenished on a regular basis, else it would result in a sudden surge in mercury levels, putting the earth in a pressure cooker situation. And what consequences drought will bring, doesn’t need a mention.
Scientists are in quandary of the application of the method, which might go against natural factors, further disturbing ecological balance. Therefore, keeping in mind the drastic changes sunshading might have on the atmosphere, the researchers recommend it as a last-ditch effort to counter climate change. However, few hope that cloud seeding can be made use of as a mode of bringing rain by dispersing substances as silver iodide and dry ice into the air that would serve as cloud condensation. But, cloud seeding itself has its pros and cons, which doesn’t make it an appropriate method to increase precipitaion.
The whole process of geoengineering is complex and risky. Or in other words, I would say, science is in itself a boon as well as a bane. The same procedure that would help tackle climate change would spell doom in the form of parching the earth of the much-needed rainfall. Bringing the earth to the doorstep of drought doesn’t really define sunshading as a quick fix for global warming.
Via: NewScientist Environment