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Solar geomechanics, what is it?

The beginning of solar geomechanics

Solar geomechanics is the management of the amount of sunlight entering the atmosphere to control the warming of the earth’s surface and thereby reduce global warming. In experimental models, geoengineering could reverse the effects of climate change, although it is unknown whether it would actually work.

Solar geomechanics strategies are highly controversial within and outside the climate science community. It is a big step forward when 16 experts from different disciplines agree that now is the time to create a research program. Our committee has come a long way to achieve this recommendation, working through many complex and controversial issues to reach a consensus.

Proponents of ​​solar geomechanics propose that some of the sun’s energy be beamed back into space to lower the Earth’s temperature and prevent climate change. The idea is that the temperature of our planet is rising due to an increase in the amount of energy-absorbing greenhouse gases.

In April 2019, renowned climate fixer Michael Gerrard edited the book Climate Engineering and the Law. In it, he noted that there are “passive” techniques for influencing the climate, such as sequestering carbon dioxide. Such approaches are relatively safe as they will not have global consequences.

The proposals for solar geomechanics

Based on the above, three basic interventions for the implementation of solar geomechanics are proposed, which have emerged from studies are the following:

– A stratospheric aerosol injection would increase the number of small reflective particles (aerosols) in the upper atmosphere to increase the reflection of sunlight back into space. While there is strong evidence that this approach can induce global cooling, there is limited understanding of how the cooling potential affects the amount of injected aerosols, their location and type, and the resulting regional climate responses – impacts.

Something similar is proposed by Microsoft founder Bill Gates who will financially support the project.

Solar geomechanics
The three proposals

Researchers plan to launch weather balloons that release small calcium carbonate particles into the stratosphere. These fragments, the authors suggest, will reflect the sun’s rays, sending them back into space. All of this should lower the average water and air temperature. Based on the results of each stage, special audits by appointed independent committees are recommended to ensure that the technology does not harm the atmosphere.

– Cloud ocean lighting will add materials to low clouds over the ocean to make them more reflective. Water vapour in clouds condenses into droplets when it comes into contact with particles such as salt. Adding particles creates more droplets, which makes clouds more reflective.

– By thinning cirrus clouds, an effort should be made to reduce the formation of thin clouds that trap heat radiating upward from the earth’s surface. The effectiveness of this approach is unknown due to the very limited understanding of cirrus cloud properties and the microphysical processes that determine how cirrus clouds can change. Existing climate model simulations have led to conflicting results.

A careful approach to the application of solar geomechanics

Considering the risks of rapid global warming and its impacts, it is important to consider a portfolio of response options and understand as quickly and efficiently as possible whether solar geoengineering could be a sufficiently safe and effective option. An interdisciplinary, coordinated and well-regulated research program could demonstrate that more investment is needed. Or it could indicate that solar geoengineering should not be considered further. The key point is that both results are driven by sound scientific evidence.

The refusal to engage in solar geoengineering also raises questions. Can we be sure we won’t need it in the future? What if greenhouse warming has dire effects on the climate? And if solar geoengineering proves technically not feasible or socially acceptable, shouldn’t we know now? Refusal to engage in solar geoengineering also raises questions. Can we be sure we won’t need it in the future? What if greenhouse warming has dire effects on the climate? And if solar geoengineering turns out to be technically unfeasible or socially acceptable, shouldn’t we know by now? And most importantly, what is the limit to which we can apply it without disturbing the earth’s natural balance?