Shiny clouds to cool down the planet
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Scientists at the University of Washington are conducting experiments to spray seawater aerosols into the atmosphere, to make clouds brighter and reduce the heat reaching Earth.
In the ongoing search for ways to combat global warming, a group of scientists at the University of Washington have conducted an exciting experiment: they have turned on a particle cannon designed to spray seawater aerosols into the air, in the hope of making clouds brighter and thus reducing the amount of heat reaching the Earth. This project carried out on a former aircraft carrier converted into a laboratory, marks an important step in research into how we can influence the climate.
The particle cannon, which has nothing to do with naval warfare, represents a breakthrough in this field. Developed over the years, this device is designed to spray seawater aerosols of a specific size steadily into the atmosphere. The idea is based on the theory of the Twomey effect, which suggests that more small droplets in clouds can reflect more sunlight, helping to cool the planet.
Inspired by an idea put forward by British physicist John Latham in 1990, the project has evolved from large-scale proposals, such as the use of unmanned sailboats, to more practical solutions, such as an aerosol cannon adapted from photocopier technology. This innovative approach has been funded in part by figures such as Bill Gates, who recognizes the urgency of finding new ways to tackle climate change.
But not everyone is convinced. Scientists such as David Santillo of Greenpeace International warn of possible unintended consequences of manipulating solar radiation on a large scale. Changes in weather patterns and effects on fisheries are just some of the concerns raised by critics.
Despite the uncertainties and risks, the team of scientists at the University of Washington is committed to research to better understand the effects and feasibility of this strategy. Sarah Doherty, director of the program, recognizes the importance of exploring all available options to address climate change but also emphasizes the need to proceed with caution and consider the possible long-term implications.
At a time when record temperatures and the effects of climate change are becoming increasingly evident, projects such as this one offer an innovative and hopeful perspective in the fight against global warming. However, there is still much to be discovered and discussed before these technologies can be implemented on a large scale and contribute significantly to the protection of our planet.
References
Warming is getting worse. So they just tested a way to deflect the sun | The New York Times| April 2. 2024 from: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/02/climate/global-warming-clouds-solar-geoengineering.html
Hacer que las nubes sean más brillantes, el ambicioso proyecto para conseguir veranos mucho más frescos |Omicron – El Español | April, 15th, 2024 from: https://www.elespanol.com/omicrono/tecnologia/20240415/hacer-nubes-brillantes-ambicioso-proyecto-conseguir-veranos-frescos/846165554_0.html
Cloud brightening field trip 2021 | Youtube - Southern Cross University | August 26th, 2021 from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LmV94WSkmc
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