The research uses modelling to examine what would happen if, hypothetically, greenhouse gases were left to spiral over the coming century while “solar geoengineering” was used to reduce global warming. The most commonly proposed method for achieving this would be through the release of reflective particles, known as aerosols, into the stratosphere. If the straocomumlus clouds covering the subtropical oceans were to break up entirely, it could lead to additional 5C of global warming, the research says. So far, most research into solar geoengineering has been carried out using computer simulations, meaning little is known about its potential real-world implications. Previous research has highlighted various social and ethical considerations associated with solar geoengineering.

Source: Irish Independent November 17, 2020 01:41 UTC