Geoengineering: Can Blocking Out the Sun Reverse Climate Change?
Geoengineering our climate to reverse climate change is a controversial theory that could potentially (artificially) cool Earth by blocking sunlight via solar radiation management. This theory has begun gaining traction and attention as temperatures are rising far beyond the targets of the Paris Agreement.
Technically, this technology exists, but the consequences of implementing it are still largely unknown, and the debate is intensifying as traditional methods to reduce emissions prove insufficient.
Get up to speed on solar radiation management: the science behind it, potential benefits and downsides, and what the energy implications are of a dimmed world. Additionally, learn how to prepare individually for climate uncertainty through resilience.
What is Solar Radiation Management?
Solar radiation management is a geoengineering technique that essentially reflects solar energy back to space. It uses stratospheric aerosol injections that release particles into the upper atmosphere for reflective purposes. It also utilizes marine cloud brightening to increase the reflectivity of ocean clouds.
The idea is that it can mimic the natural cooling effect of volcanic eruptions such as Mount Pinatubo in 1991. Theoretically, it could reduce global temperatures within years, not decades. It requires continuous deployment to maintain its effects, but could make a significant difference sooner rather than later, drawing more attention to it as a potential solution.
The Science Behind Dimming the Sun
So how would this work? A stratospheric aerosol injection would use balloons or aircraft to release sulfur compounds into the air, and these particles would scatter incoming sunlight before it can reach the Earth's surface.
The marine cloud brightening aspect would spray saltwater to increase the reflectivity of these clouds.
Computer models indicate that a cooling of 1 to 2℃ is possible with sustained deployment. However, this research was conducted through climate modeling and smaller-scale field tests.
The technology itself is relatively simple, at least compared to carbon removal methods; however, the costs of this method are estimated to be in the billions annually. That seems massive, but it's still a fraction of the economic damage that climate change is causing.
Potential Benefits
Proponents of this geoengineering method emphasize the significant potential benefits of a rapid temperature reduction, which could help prevent tipping points, such as ice sheet collapse.
They emphasize that it can protect coral reefs, Arctic ice, and many vulnerable ecosystems.
It would also be beneficial for agriculture by reducing heat stress in critical regions and the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events.
Those in coastal areas would also appreciate how it can help lower the rise of sea level, keeping their homes safer for longer.
Advocates also present it as a means for buying more time to reduce emissions and implement further adaptation measures.
The Dark Side of Blocked Sunlight
But we can't ignore the downsides. Blocking the sunlight can disrupt monsoon patterns, potentially affecting the billions who depend on seasonal rains. It would also create uneven cooling effects, with some regions benefiting much more while others actually suffer.
Less sunlight means decreased photosynthesis, which reduces crop yields; therefore, it's difficult to say whether it would be better overall for agriculture.
If injecting aerosols into our atmosphere concerns you, you might be onto something. Certain aerosols couldn't deplete our ozone layer even further, just as it’s reached a recovery phase.
The need for continuous deployment means that our atmosphere could experience termination shock if this deployment is suddenly stopped for some reason. It could also enable the weaponization of solar geoengineering technologies, similar to historic weather modification attempts, such as cloud seeding during the Vietnam War.
Energy Implications of a Dimmed World
We must also consider the energy implications of a dimmed world. By reducing solar irradiance, we would decrease the efficiency of solar panels worldwide. Underneath the layer of aerosol, these photovoltaic systems would produce 10-20% less electricity.
Solar energy systems are just starting to gain traction in a meaningful way, and employing this tactic would undermine their effectiveness. We would need to create hybrid renewable systems that combine multiple sources of energy, rather than relying solely on solar energy. However, there would still be an underlying concern about energy security, as our traditional renewables face reduced output.
Thankfully, EcoFlow Solar Generators are designed to maximize efficiency even in low-light conditions, but total energy production might still be limited.
Preparing for Climate Uncertainty via Individual Resilience
We'll have to wait and see whether solar geoengineering will be utilized, but we can take steps now to prepare for climate uncertainty by optimizing our own individual resilience.
Start with your household. You need reliable backup power to protect against climate-related disruptions. The EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 is the perfect solution, offering 3-48 kWh hours of capacity for extended outages while remaining portable and compact.
While sunlight is still available in its full extent, you can also utilize solar charging to maintain independence indefinitely during grid failures, powering essential devices such as communication technology, medical devices, and refrigeration for food preservation. Switching to renewable solar also contributes to protecting our planet by reducing your carbon footprint.
Geoengineering Ethics
Climate activists have raised several ethical concerns about geoengineering. There's currently no international framework to govern solar radiation management, leaving considerable room for interpretation and risk. There are also concerns about the moral hazard of prioritizing this route over other proven emission reduction efforts, such as renewable energy. Unfortunately, developing nations would be the most vulnerable to any unintended consequences.
Before anything goes underway, we need a global consensus on the criteria and governments for deployment.
Balancing Innovation with Caution
Theoretically, solar radiation management could benefit the climate, but there are still enormous risks that we cannot ignore. Proponents continue to research this effort, but the governance framework still lags. Emission reduction and adaptation are still the safest climate strategies we have. In addition to large-scale efforts, we must also prioritize our individual preparedness, regardless of what geoengineering decisions are made or not. This geoengineering technology represents a last resort and should not be a substitute for proven climate actions.