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RESTRICTIONS: NONE
As global warming gets progressively worse, scientists consider engineering the climate to cool it down, but a new study shows it may do more harm than good.
Stratospheric aerosol injection is a form of geoengineering that involves spraying sulfur dioxide into the upper atmosphere to form clouds that reflect solar radiation, according to AFP.
Using computer models, a study published in Nature Ecology and Evolution found that spraying 5 million tonnes of sulfur dioxide above the equator every year for 50 years could drop surface temperatures by one degree Celsius.
But if sulfur seeding is suddenly stopped, the planet would warm rapidly, with temperatures rising several times faster than the predicted rate.
Plant populations would die out, and wildlife, especially amphibians and land animals, would not be able to migrate quickly enough. The loss of just one species could impact an entire ecosystem.
RUNDOWN SHOWS:
1. Sulfur dioxide sprayed into stratosphere form clouds that reflect sunlight
2. 5M tonnes of sulfur dioxide sprayed yearly for 50 years could reduce surface temperature by 1 degree
3. If spraying suddenly stopped, planet rapidly heats up
4. Plant and animal species may be depleted as a result
VOICEOVER (in English):
“Stratospheric aerosol injection is a form of geoengineering that involves spraying sulfur dioxide into the upper atmosphere to form clouds that reflect solar radiation.”
“Using computer models, a study found that spraying 5 million tonnes of sulfur dioxide above the equator every year for 50 years could drop surface temperatures by one degree Celsius.”
“But if sulfur seeding is suddenly stopped, the planet would warm rapidly, with temperatures rising several times faster than the predicted rate.”
“Plant populations would die out, and wildlife, especially amphibians and land animals, would not be able to migrate quickly enough. The loss of just one species could impact an entire ecosystem.”
SOURCES:
AFP, Discover Magazine
http://www.straitstimes.com/world/dimming-the-sun-to-cool-earth-could-ravage-wildlife-study
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