Guardian UK: Bill Gates backs climate scientists lobbying for large-scale geoengineering

[marmar]

A small group of leading climate scientists, financially supported by billionaires including Bill Gates, are lobbying governments and international bodies to back experiments into manipulating the climate on a global scale to avoid catastrophic climate change.

The scientists, who advocate geoengineering methods such as spraying millions of tonnes of reflective particles of sulphur dioxide 30 miles above earth, argue that a "plan B" for climate change will be needed if the UN and politicians cannot agree to making the necessary cuts in greenhouse gases, and say the US government and others should pay for a major programme of international research.

Solar geoengineering techniques are highly controversial: while some climate scientists believe they may prove a quick and relatively cheap way to slow global warming, others fear that when conducted in the upper atmosphere, they could irrevocably alter rainfall patterns and interfere with the earth's climate.

Geoengineering is opposed by many environmentalists, who say the technology could undermine efforts to reduce emissions, and by developing countries who fear it could be used as a weapon or by rich countries to their advantage. In 2010, the UN Convention on Biological Diversity declared a moratorium on experiments in the sea and space, except for small-scale scientific studies. .........(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2012/feb/06/bill-gates-climate-scientists-geoengineering

[rhett o rick]

1. Of course, what good is it to be the wealthiest man in the world if the world is

being destroyed.

[Nictuku]

2. They are already doing it

... just look up.

[tabatha]

3. Typical Bill Gates, sticking his nose in where he is least qualified - like GMO.

[waddirum]

4. Kate Bush wrote a song about this in the 80s

[xchrom]

5. du rec. nt