– Shading the Sun and other forms of geoengineering are being considered to slow global warming
– A proposed plan to protect the Thwaites glacier in Antarctica with a curtain is gaining attention
– The ‘Cool Earth’ proposal involves placing a shield in space to reduce solar radiation and combat global warming
Geoengineering methods, such as shading the Sun, are being considered as a solution to slow global warming. One proposed plan involves sheathing the edge of the Thwaites glacier in Antarctica with a 100km long curtain to prevent melting and rising sea levels. As the climate warms, undersea currents also warm, accelerating the melting process and reducing ice recovery in winter. Scientists believe that geoengineering could help slow or stop global warming, with some already implementing carbon capture from the atmosphere.
Researchers at the Asher Space Research Institute in Israel are working on a project called ‘Cool Earth’, which aims to place a large shield in space between the Sun and Earth to reduce solar radiation reaching the Earth. The satellite would be positioned at the first Lagrange point, 1.5 million kilometers from Earth towards the Sun, and would control shading sail to alter the amount of solar shading based on global climate needs. The project could potentially contribute to reducing global warming by up to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
While solar geoengineering and other large-scale geoengineering proposals show promise in limiting global warming, there are uncertainties and risks associated with unintended consequences. Comprehensive research, modeling, and international collaboration are needed to inform responsible decision-making regarding these solutions. Despite the potential benefits, further evaluation and consideration of the ethical implications are necessary before pursuing these geoengineering methods.