The US government wants the world's scientists to develop technology to block sunlight as a last-ditch way to halt global warming, the Guardian has learned. It says research into techniques such as giant mirrors in space or reflective dust pumped into the atmosphere would be "important insurance" against rising emissions, and has lobbied for such a strategy to be recommended by a major UN report on climate change, the first part of which will be published on Friday.
Actually, fair enough, but am I being cynical to think that this is still trying to wriggle out of responsibility? Maybe, maybe not. I do think it's right to explore all possible things that could help, provided that doesn't mean some things are dropped. So this dimension is hopeful at face value:
"Modifying solar radiance may be an important strategy if mitigation of emissions fails. Doing the R&D to estimate the consequences of applying such a strategy is important insurance that should be taken out. This is a very important possibility that should be considered."
US answer to global warming: smoke and giant space mirrors | Climate change | Guardian Unlimited Environment: Filed in: USA, environment, greenhouse, technology, CO2
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