According to a new study, Marine cloud lightingA technique called geoengineering (roughly earth engineering, there is no established Hungarian term for this activity), which has been used to lower the temperature in California, may inadvertently cause heat waves in Europe. The study examined the unintended consequences of regional climate engineering interventions.
Marine cloud brightening involves spraying reflective aerosols (in the form of sea salt or sea spray) into stratocumulus clouds over the ocean to reflect more solar radiation back into space. Researchers designed this technology in the northeastern Pacific Ocean near California and near Alaska.
In 2010, both interventions proved effective in reducing the temperature of the targeted area. The Alaska process reduced dangerous heat risks by 55% and the California process by 16%. Meanwhile, the simulations also showed that the intervention in California also made Europe colder.
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But by 2050, the situation has changed dramatically. Due to lack of clouds, high temperatures, and slowdown of the Atlantic Ocean Current (AMOC) system. California intervention It caused a rise in temperature in Europe. The effectiveness of the intervention in Alaska has also declined significantly.
The study indicates that the brightness of offshore clouds can have significant impacts not only in the target area, but also in areas further afield. The effectiveness of interventions may change over time and lead to unintended consequences.
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Researchers are concerned that lightening marine clouds could lead to international conflicts if some countries use this technology to improve their climate at the expense of others. There are currently no regulations for the regional application of marine cloud lighting, so the authors urge the establishment of international frameworks.
Key findings:
- Marine cloud brightening can be effective in lowering the temperature of the target area, but may lead to unintended consequences further afield.
- The effectiveness of interventions may change over time and may become ineffective in the future.
- Lightening marine clouds could lead to international conflicts if some countries use this technology to improve their climate at the expense of others.
- International frameworks are needed to regulate the regional application of marine cloud lighting.
This is the first study to show that the brightness of marine clouds can have significant effects not only in the target area, but also farther afield. The results of this study raise concerns about the future use of marine cloud lighting and draw attention to the need for international regulation.
source: guardian
