Changing the Climate for Good: Really?

by Alexandre Couto de Andrade

Recently revealed data shows that climate change is happening at a much faster rate than previously expected. The video below shows how.

If CO₂ emissions are not reduced to half of their 1990 levels, an increase of almost 4 degrees Fahrenheit may occur until 2100. The consequences would be catastrophic (watch the video below).

This less than auspicious scenario may prompt calls for Geoengineering, i.e. the deliberate manipulation of climate. This would be an effective though palliative response if such circumstances arise. If we manage to reduce the amount of sunlight that hit Earth by nearly 2%, we will probably reverse the effects of climate change. It is feasible.

One way of doing it would be pumping chemicals into the atmosphere to reflect sunlight away from the planet, mimicking the effects of a major volcanic eruption.

Geoengineering is however highly controversial due to its ethical, political and ecological implications. Watch the video below to know more about it.