7 unique methods of cooling the Earth

Using geoengineering method such as "poking" for volcanic sulfur spraying, creating clouds by ship, sowing iron into the ocean . can reduce the temperature of the Earth.

Unique ideas to prevent global warming

Can we fight climate change by climate change? The answer lies in geo-technology - using technology applications to impact the properties of the Earth, including the climate.

According to the report of the British Academy of Sciences, if people do not attempt to minimize greenhouse gas emissions, we will have to use geoengineering to cool the Earth.

However, these methods have risks associated with efficiency, economic costs and environmental impacts.

Many geoengineering techniques have been discussed at the Asilomar International Conference on Climate Intervention Technology taking place in Pacific Grove, California, USA. For the first time, the conference tried to provide guidelines for ethical action in geoengineering research.

Samuel Thernstrom, co-director of Geoengineering Project at the AEI, a policy research institute for Washington DC, said that does not mean that some plans will be implemented in the near future.

He said: 'Climate change is not a problem that can be solved right away, at least not our generation. But it can be controlled. '

Here are a few geoengineering techniques that are of interest:

Umbrella sulfur

We can take advantage of volcanic eruptions to spray sulfur into the stratosphere, creating clouds that reflect sunlight.

One of the geoengineering methods is potential to ' poke ' into artificial volcanoes to create eruptions. This means that we spray a little sulfur (sulfur, the component in volcanic ash) into the atmosphere. The molecules will reflect light and heat from the sun back into space like a big shade.

Greening the desert

Desert green has both desertification and helps absorb carbon in the air.(Photo: Naftall Hilger.)

Experts say that 'deserting green ' may be a very effective way to ' trap ' greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2). This geoengineering idea is taking root in Africa.

13 African countries are participating in building the 'great green wall ' that aims to prevent the expansion of the Sahara desert and help absorb a large amount of CO2 in the air.

In addition, members of the ambitious plan called the Sahara Forest Project have also planted trees along their renewable energy complexes. They have ambitions to green the desert around the globe.

However, according to Michael MacCracken, head of scientists in the Climate Institute's climate programs (climate consulting organization for the US government), if greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise So, a green desert will not absorb as much CO2.

He said that at present, building green deserts could be a good strategy to limit greenhouse gas emissions.

Biochar in soil

A farmer in West Virginia, America holds biochar in his hand.(Photo: Jeff Hutchens)

Biochar is a high porous coal, made by heating agricultural waste . According to the International Biochar Coalition, when returning to soil, biochar can trap carbon in the soil for hundreds to thousands of years.

Therstrom thinks that this type of coal ' deserves to be studied' . MacCracken added that this type of coal also has the added benefit of improving soil quality.

Seaweed farm

A woman in Bali, Indonesia harvests seaweed.(Photo: Jason Edwards)

Seaweed is related to freshwater algae but it is in a more noble position when scientists support the construction of seaweed farms as carbon sinks.

According to Pusan ​​National University's Seaweed Cleaning Project, half of the photosynthesis process (the process of using sunlight to convert carbon dioxide into energy) of the world takes place in the oceans. This process mainly occurs in small marine plants called phytoplankton (or floating plants).

Seaweed can easily be grown along the coast. It is a feasible solution that scientists need to take into account to enhance the carbon absorption process of the sea.

Seaweed growers can harvest and turn it into renewable fuel .

Ships create clouds

Cylindrical tubes spray water into the air by taking advantage of wind power and Magnus effect to create ocean clouds.

The interesting and feasible idea of cloud-making ships has brought novelty to geoengineering in the fight against climate change.

The special ship has wind-powered devices that, when operated, take seawater and spray into space, helping to create ocean clouds . These clouds are denser and whiter than conventional clouds, so they reflect more solar heat.

According to Therstrom, if deployed successfully, about 1,500 ships could create an immediate cooling effect. He said: ' We still have a long way from understanding to deploying. But it is a reliable idea and deserves serious research and discussion '.

White paint the roof

The rooftops of Hamilton, Bermuda are painted white.(Photo: George Oze.)

Anti-climate change does not seem to be related to color. But making the roof reflect sunlight with white paint can be one of the simplest geoengineering methods.

According to researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, California, dark roofs reflect only about 10-20% of sunlight, whereas the so-called "cool roof" will return space from 70-80%.

According to MacCracken, white roofs have another benefit. Because they reflect sunlight, the house will be less warm, reducing the need to use air conditioning.

Sow iron into the ocean

Iron particles help stimulate the growth of floating plants in the sea.They metabolize CO2 in their photosynthesis.(Photo: NASA)

Bring iron to the ocean to encourage the development of phytoplankton despite the ability to absorb CO2.

Scientists have conducted more than a dozen trials of iron seeding around the world and gained some success.

Promoting creativity and researching geoengineering methods is very important because many plans will have long-term sustainable value. But both MacCracken and Therstrom agree that geoengineering may be the only acceptable option when required.