A startup says it's begun releasing particles into the atmosphere, in an effort to tweak the climate

[ecstatic]

Geoengineering refers to deliberate efforts to manipulate the climate by reflecting more sunlight back into space, mimicking a natural process that occurs in the aftermath of large volcanic eruptions. In theory, spraying sulfur and similar particles in sufficient quantities could potentially ease global warming.

It’s not technically difficult to release such compounds into the stratosphere. But scientists have mostly (though not entirely) refrained from carrying out even small-scale outdoor experiments. And it’s not clear that any have yet injected materials into that specific layer of the atmosphere in the context of geoengineering-related research.

That’s in part because it’s highly controversial. Little is known about the real-world effect of such deliberate interventions at large scales, but they could have dangerous side effects. The impacts could also be worse in some regions than others, which could provoke geopolitical conflicts.

Some researchers who have long studied the technology are deeply troubled that the company, Make Sunsets, appears to have moved forward with launches from a site in Mexico without any public engagement or scientific scrutiny. It’s already attempting to sell “cooling credits” for future balloon flights that could carry larger payloads.

https://www.technologyreview.com/2022/12/24/1066041/a-startup-says-its-begun-releasing-particles-into-the-atmosphere-in-an-effort-to-tweak-the-climate/

What could possibly go wrong? We need legislation ASAP... Not just for geoengineering but all the other emerging or fully implemented new technologies.

[global1]

1. I Worry About The Un-intended Consequences Of Such Experimentation By This Company.....

such experiments need to be regulated.

Who knows what such experimentation might lead to.

[2naSalit]

2. That makes two of us.

Is it any wonder they are operating in Mexico instead of the US?

[2naSalit]

3. Fuckin' -A...

All this effort and expense to avoid doing the actual things that need to be done.

We don't deserve to survive our own biospheric collapse. What sucks is that we will take most other species with us.

[Xoan]

6. My 15 year old granddaughter disagrees ...

and so do I.

[2naSalit]

9. That's nice.

[caraher]

4. Perhaps the biggest problem would be if it worked

Because the trouble is that once you implement "solar radiation management" (without removal of atmospheric carbon) you can't stop, ever, without creating an even more severe rate of warming that makes adaptation even harder.

[cbabe]

5. From original article:

A startup claims it has launched weather balloons that may have released reflective sulfur particles in the stratosphere, potentially crossing a controversial barrier in the field of solar geoengineering.

….
Rain plus sulfur equals

https://www.epa.gov › acidrain › what-acid-rain

What is Acid Rain? | US EPA

Jun 24, 2022The SO 2 and NO X react with water, oxygen and other chemicals to form sulfuric and nitric acids. These then mix with water and other materials before falling to the ground.

[2naSalit]

8. But science...

Is the enemy of simple fixes.

[Iwasthere]

7. Nothing new

We've been ginnie pigs for potentially deadly weather experimentation for years.