WH Releases Report on Reflecting Sunlight to Cool Earth
(Worthy News) – The White House on Monday released a congressionally-mandated research plan for a process to help reduce the effects of solar radiation by reflecting sunlight back into space but said no formal study is being planned at this time.
The process, known as solar geoengineering, involves using marine cloud brightening, in which ocean salt is used to increase clouds’ reflectiveness, and stratospheric aerosol injection, which involves releasing sulfate particles into the atmosphere to help reflect sunlight.
The White House report notes, “This Research Plan focuses on improving understanding of the potential impacts of SRM [Solar Radiation Modification], rather than on technologies needed for deployment. Much of this research would contribute to our ability to understand basic climate processes and effects of human greenhouse gas emissions, as well as outcomes of SRM. This Plan draws from the published literature on SRM, research currently underway, and other reports identifying priorities for SRM research. This Plan will require updating as knowledge grows in this dynamic area.” [ Source (Read More…) ]