The 1991 eruption of the Mt. Pinatubo volcano caused a 1 degree Fahrenheit global cooling effect. The sulfur particles that were discharged from the volcano reflected sunlight away from the Earth's surface. Scientists inspired by the natural cooling effect of sulfur have proposed that an artificial sulfur haze could protect us from solar radiation in dire circumstances.
Scientists used computer models to test 11 different scenarios. They said the sulfur shield seems like it would work to protect the Earth in her last days, in an extreme case of global warming. But with a strong aversion to geo-engineering and a $400 million a year operating cost, the shield will likely remain a theory.
Massive Manmade Sunshield
Scientists Develop a Global Warming Safety Net
Trend Themes
1. Artificial Sunshield - Developing a manmade sunshield could provide a solution for global warming and protect the earth from solar radiation.
2. Geo-engineering - With a strong aversion to geo-engineering, there could be an opportunity to explore alternative approaches to resolving global warming.
3. Computer Models for Climate Control - Computer models have the potential to guide climate control decisions through scenario testing before implementation.
Industry Implications
1. Renewable Energy - Renewable energy offers the opportunity to reduce our reliance on possibly hazardous geo-engineering solutions such as artificial sunshields.
2. Climate Control - The creation of an artificial sunshield could open up industries related to climate control and the protective measures for our planet.
3. Computer Simulation - The development of advanced computer simulations could potentially enhance the modeling capabilities required to test various climate control measures.