As the world struggles to meet climate goals and faces the prospect of surpassing 1.5°C warming in the mid-2030s, unconventional solutions are being considered. One such radical idea involves dimming the Sun by creating an artificial haze, mimicking the cooling effect observed after major volcanic eruptions. The proposal suggests using high-flying jets to release reflective particles into the upper atmosphere, reducing the Sun’s intensity by approximately 1% and potentially cooling the planet by 1°C.
While dimming the Sun wouldn’t completely reverse climate change, it could offer a strategic approach to offsetting the impacts of global warming. The method aims to create an even cooling effect globally by adjusting the release of particles. Research suggests that such an approach could mitigate climate risks, including extreme heat events, shifts in rainfall patterns, and the melting of ice sheets.
However, the proposal raises concerns about side effects, such as a whiter sky and potential impacts on the ozone layer. Additionally, it does not address the root cause of climate change – the buildup of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Despite the challenges and uncertainties, proponents argue that the potential benefits, including reduced extreme heat and preservation of icy regions, outweigh the risks.
The idea of dimming the Sun, while not a substitute for cutting emissions, presents an alternative strategy to treat the symptoms of climate change. As the global community grapples with the urgency of the climate crisis, unconventional solutions like solar radiation modification geoengineering are gaining attention, emphasizing the need for serious consideration and further research.
