A Startup Released Particles Into The Atmosphere To Limit Climate Change
Spraying sulfur could ease global warming in theory. But scientists have remained wary of trying it out on a large-scale, for it might have dangerous side effects
What if releasing particles into the atmosphere could help limit climate change? A startup claims that it has begun to do the same through its weather balloons.
This is called geoengineering - a way to manipulate the climate by reflecting more sunlight back into space. As MIT Tech Review explained, this may be compared to what naturally happens in the aftermath of volcanic eruptions.
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Easing climate change
Spraying sulfur could ease global warming in theory. But scientists have remained wary of trying it out on a large-scale, for it might have dangerous side effects.
But a company called Make Sunsets recently launched some balloons from its site in Mexico. The company also wants to sell "cooling credits" for future balloon flights that would be able to carry larger payloads.
Also read: Astonishing Details Of An Alien Planet's Atmosphere Captured By James Webb
Luke Iseman, the cofounder and CEO of Make Sunsets told MIT Tech Review that the startup is partly about science and partly about provocation - a kind of effort to be taken seriously.
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Iseman added how climate change needs immediate solutions that have the potential to trigger radical changes in the near-future. The first two balloon launches took place in April in the state of Baja California.
Also read: Hydrogen Level In Atmosphere Increased 70% To Heat Up Planet, Says Ozone Day Study
Even then, it was a very "science project" endeavour, allowing Iseman to prove that it is possible to achieve. Even then, there were no monitoring equipment on board the balloons, so it's unclear what really happened and if the experiment even worked at all.
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In the future, Make Sunsets intends to increase sulfur payloads, add sensors, switch to reusable balloons, and publish data after launches.
What do you think about dropping substances in the atmosphere to fight climate change? Let us know in the comments below. For more in the world of technology and science, keep reading Indiatimes.com.
References
Temple, J. (2022, December 25). A startup says it¡¯s begun releasing particles into the atmosphere, in an effort to tweak the climate. MIT Technology Review. https://www.technologyreview.com/2022/12/24/1066041/a-startup-says-its-begun-releasing-particles-into-the-atmosphere-in-an-effort-to-tweak-the-climate/
I live for all-things-technology - gadgets, novel climate solutions, and startups that are changing the game. In my leisurely hours, you can find me binge watching science fiction films, writing poetry, or dancing to pop anthems.
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