A new study published in Geophysical Research Letters suggests that diamond dust could be an effective SRM material. The study compared seven compounds and found diamonds to be the most efficient for reflecting solar radiation. Researchers propose spraying five million tonnes of diamond dust annually into the upper atmosphere to achieve a temperature reduction of 1.6 degrees Celsius.
About Geoengineering
Geoengineering involves large-scale interventions to alter the Earth’s climate system. It aims to counteract global warming’s effects. Two main strategies exist: Solar Radiation Management (SRM) and Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR). SRM focuses on reflecting solar radiation away from Earth, while CDR seeks to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Solar Radiation Management Explained
SRM is a key area of interest. It involves deploying materials in the atmosphere or space to reflect sunlight. This can potentially reduce global temperatures. The concept draws inspiration from volcanic eruptions. When volcanoes erupt, they release sulphur dioxide, which forms particles that reflect sunlight. The 1991 Mount Pinatubo eruption is an example, as it temporarily lowered global temperatures by 0.5 degrees Celsius.
Carbon Dioxide Removal Technologies
CDR technologies focus on removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS) is one such method. It captures CO2 emissions from industrial sources and stores them underground. Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) uses captured CO2 for industrial processes. Direct Air Capture (DAC) extracts CO2 directly from the air. While these methods can help reduce atmospheric CO2, they face challenges and scalability issues.
Concerns with Carbon Capture Technologies
CCS technologies are not without flaws. Studies indicate that relying heavily on CCS to meet climate goals may be impractical and costly. The estimated cost of achieving climate targets primarily through CCS could exceed US$30 trillion compared to a focus on renewable energy. Additionally, finding safe storage sites for captured CO2 is becoming increasingly difficult.
The Future of Geoengineering
Despite the challenges, geoengineering remains a crucial area of research. With the visible impacts of climate change, solutions like SRM and CDR are gaining attention. There are no scenarios for meeting climate targets that do not involve some form of these technologies. Continued exploration and careful consideration of the implications are essential for any future implementation.
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