As the severity of global warming and melting icecaps increases scientists have devised a ‘controversial plan’ to tackle the issue of global warming. They suggest spraying sulphur dioxide in the atmosphere to refreeze the Earth's poles, says a report in Economic Times.
In what might seem like a last-ditch effort to save the melting icecaps and tackle global warming, scientists have suggested a mammoth and controversial solution. According to them, high-flying jets can be used to spray the upper layers of the atmosphere with microscopic aerosol particles. This would reflect the sunlight and allow the icecaps to cool and refreeze.
As per the detailed plan, 125 military jets with air-to-air fuelling tankers would be needed to release a microscopic cloud of sulphur dioxide. The altitude would be 43,000 feet, and the latitude needed is 60 degrees in both hemispheres. 13 tonnes of particles released in summer and spring would cool the Earth's poles by 2 degrees Celsius. An ex-scientist from the UK stated that this plan would refreeze the Earth's poles and check the rising sea levels globally.
Recommended by Wake Smith, the scientist leading the study, stated that the suggestion would merely treat one of the symptoms of climate change. Also, a large number of flights would be required for the plan to work. They would release greenhouse gases into the upper layers of the atmosphere, where such gases are highly damaging. Solar shading can reduce crop yields. Such a large-scale programme would require an international agreement, which is challenging.
Researchers and scientists argue that the plan targets the Earth's poles, where only 1 per cent of the population lives. Moreover, the cost is expected to be £1 billion, far less than the other modes of responding to climate change. Scientists believe that efforts are needed to address the melting ice caps as it would benefit all of humanity.
The research is being led by Wake Smith, a researcher from Yale University in America. The plan is still in its development stage and has not yet been finalized.
Aruna Gaitonde, Editor in Chief of the Asian Bureau, Rough&Polished
