Reflecting sunlight back to space could be the answer to climate change, says UN
A new report from the United Nations published on Monday asserts that global efforts to combat climate change are inadequate, leading to the need for research into technologies that can reflect sunlight away from the Earth to temporarily cool it down.
The UNEP states that the world is failing to meet the 1.5°C Paris Agreement target, and therefore, alternatives must be considered to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Solar Radiation Modification (SRM) is being studied as an option that could quickly cool the planet by reflecting or beaming some sunlight away.
The UNEP has labeled Solar Radiation Modification (SRM) as the sole method capable of achieving this goal in a matter of years.
While greenhouse gas emissions reduction is the only way to permanently slow global warming, the U.N. Environment Program notes that current worldwide efforts to reduce emissions are not sufficient to meet the Paris Agreement’s 1.5° Celsius target.
How could blocking the sun stop climate change?
Technologies known as “solar radiation modification,” or “sun blocking,” could potentially cool the Earth by reflecting sunlight into space, reports EuroNews.
One approach involves injecting sun-blocking particles into the upper atmosphere, known as “stratospheric aerosol injection,” which would entail planes spraying sulfur dioxide into the stratosphere.
This mist of particles would reflect sunlight back into space, providing shade for the Earth.
While the method has already succeeded unintentionally, when Mount Pinatubo erupted in 1991 and released sulfur dioxide, temporarily reducing the global temperature by 0.5°C, researchers at Yale University argued in September 2022 that the injection method could hypothetically refreeze the poles.
Technology ‘still in early stages’
Nonetheless, the technology is still in its infancy, and the report acknowledges that “significantly more investigation” would be necessary “before any possible deployment.”
While alternative methods to lower temperatures should not be disregarded, it should be noted that reducing emissions at the source remains the primary objective.
Andrea Hinwood, the Chief Scientist at the UNEP, emphasized the need for the private sector and regulators to address the essential uncertainties concerning these technologies, answer fundamental questions about safety, and implement the precautionary principle before considering SRM.
She also stated that there are no shortcuts or alternatives to reducing harmful emissions and that shifting to a circular economy in harmony with nature is the best option for our peace, health, and well-being.