Stratospheric Solar Geoengineering
Dr. David Keith believes in intentionally releasing sulfur dioxide into the stratosphere to lower global temperatures and blunt global warming. This controversial idea of stratospheric solar geoengineering is met with hope and fear. While proponents see it as a potential solution to reduce temperatures before transitioning away from fossil fuels, opponents fear unpredictable calamities, environmental disruptions, and health risks associated with the technology.
Key Points
- Effects of climate change are intensifying
- Interest in geoengineering is growing
- Concerns about unintended consequences and environmental impacts
- Dr. David Keith advocates for solar geoengineering as a potential solution
Pros
- Potential to reduce global temperatures
- Relatively cheap and fast approach compared to transitioning away from fossil fuels
- Could prevent millions of heat-related deaths
Cons
- Unpredictable calamities and environmental disruptions
- Health risks from sulfur dioxide
- Possibility of distracting from transitioning away from fossil fuels