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Clark B, Xia L, Robock A, Tilmes S, Richter JH, Visioni D, Rabin SS. Optimal climate intervention scenarios for crop production vary by nation. NATURE FOOD 2023; 4:902-911. [PMID: 37798559 DOI: 10.1038/s43016-023-00853-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Stratospheric aerosol intervention (SAI) is a proposed strategy to reduce the effects of anthropogenic climate change. There are many temperature targets that could be chosen for a SAI implementation, which would regionally modify climatically relevant variables such as surface temperature, precipitation, humidity, total solar radiation and diffuse radiation. In this work, we analyse impacts on national maize, rice, soybean and wheat production by looking at output from 11 different SAI scenarios carried out with a fully coupled Earth system model coupled to a crop model. Higher-latitude nations tend to produce the most calories under unabated climate change, while midlatitude nations maximize calories under moderate SAI implementation and equatorial nations produce the most calories from crops under high levels of SAI. Our results highlight the challenges in defining 'globally optimal' SAI strategies, even if such definitions are based on just one metric.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendan Clark
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA.
| | - Lili Xia
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Alan Robock
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Simone Tilmes
- Atmospheric Chemistry, Observations, and Modeling Laboratory, National Center for Atmospheric Research, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Jadwiga H Richter
- Climate Global Dynamics Laboratory, National Center for Atmospheric Research, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Daniele Visioni
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Sam S Rabin
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
- Climate Global Dynamics Laboratory, National Center for Atmospheric Research, Boulder, CO, USA
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2
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Arathala P, Musah RA. Thermochemistry and Kinetics of the Atmospheric Oxidation Reactions of Propanesulfinyl Chloride Initiated by OH Radicals: A Computational Approach. J Phys Chem A 2022; 126:4264-4276. [PMID: 35758544 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpca.2c01203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The thermochemistry and kinetics of the atmospheric oxidation mechanism for propanesulfinyl chloride (CH3-CH2-CH2-S(═O)Cl; PSICl) initiated by the hydroxyl (OH) radical were investigated with high level quantum chemistry calculations and the Master equation solver for multi-energy well reaction (Mesmer) kinetic code. The mechanism for the oxidation of PSICl in the presence of OH radical can proceed via H-abstraction and substitution pathways. The CCSD(T)/aug-cc-pV(T+d)Z//MP2/aug-cc-pV(T+d)Z level calculated energies revealed addition of the OH radical to the S-atom of the sulfinyl (-S(═O)) moiety, followed by cleavage of the Cl-S(═O) single bond, leading to formation of propanesulfinic acid (PSIA) and the Cl radical to be the major pathway when compared to all other possible channels. The transition state barrier height for this reaction was found to be -3.0 kcal mol-1 relative to the energy of the starting PSICl + OH radical reactants. The rate coefficients were calculated for all possible paths in the atmospherically relevant temperature range of 200-320 K and at 1 atm. The rate coefficient for the formation of the PSIA + Cl radical from the PSICl + OH radical reaction was found to be 8.2 × 10-12 cm3 molecule-1 s-1 at 298 K and a pressure of 1 atm. From branching ratio calculations, it was revealed that the reaction resulting in the formation of the PSIA + Cl radical contributed ∼52% to the total reaction. The overall rate coefficient for the PSICl + OH reaction was also calculated and found to be 1.6 × 10-11 cm3 molecule-1 s-1 at 298 K and a pressure of 1 atm. In the aggregate, the results indicate the atmospheric lifetime of PSICl to be ∼12-20 h in the temperature range between 200 and 320 K, which suggests that its contribution to global warming is negligible. However, the degradation products revealed to be formed in its interactions with the OH radical, which include that SO2, Cl radical, HO2 radical, and propylene have significant effects on the formation of acid rain, secondary organic aerosols, the ozone layer, and global warming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parandaman Arathala
- Department of Chemistry, University at Albany─State University of New York, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, New York 12222, United States
| | - Rabi A Musah
- Department of Chemistry, University at Albany─State University of New York, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, New York 12222, United States
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3
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Lu B, Trabelsi T, Esposito VJ, Fortenberry RC, Francisco JS, Zeng X. Spectroscopic Characterization of HSO 2• and HOSO • Intermediates Involved in SO 2 Geoengineering. J Phys Chem A 2021; 125:10615-10621. [PMID: 34890193 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpca.1c09311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Sulfur-containing radicals HSO2• and HOSO• are key intermediates involved in stratospheric sulfur geoengineering by SO2 injection. The spectroscopic characterization and photochemistry of both radicals are crucial to understanding the chemical impact of SO2 chemistry in the stratosphere. On the basis of the efficient generation of HOSO• by flash pyrolysis of gaseous sulfinic acid, CHF2S(O)OH, a strong absorption is observed at 270 nm along with a shoulder up to 350 nm for HOSO• isolated in low-temperature noble gas matrixes (Ar and Ne). These mainly arise from the excitations from the ground state (X2A) to the C2A/D2A and A2A/B2A states, respectively. Upon a 266 nm laser irradiation, the broad absorption band in the range 320-500 nm for HSO2• appears, and it corresponds to the combination of three excitations from the X2A state to the first (A2A), second (B2A), and third (C2A) excited states. Assignment of the UV-vis spectra is consistent with the photochemistry of HOSO• and HSO2• as observed by matrix-isolation IR spectroscopy and also by the agreement with high-level ab initio calculations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Lu
- Department of Chemistry, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Catalysts and Innovative Materials, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Tarek Trabelsi
- Department of Earth and Environmental Science and Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Vincent J Esposito
- Department of Earth and Environmental Science and Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Ryan C Fortenberry
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi 38677-1848, United States
| | - Joseph S Francisco
- Department of Earth and Environmental Science and Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Xiaoqing Zeng
- Department of Chemistry, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Catalysts and Innovative Materials, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
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4
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Response of the Indian summer monsoon to global warming, solar geoengineering and its termination. Sci Rep 2021; 11:9791. [PMID: 33963266 PMCID: PMC8105343 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-89249-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The response of the Indian Summer Monsoon (ISM) to global warming, solar geoengineering and its termination is examined using the multi-model mean of seven global climate model simulations from G2 experiment of the Geoengineering Model Intercomparison Project. Under the global warming scenario, land–ocean temperature contrasts and low-level monsoon circulation progressively strengthen accompanied by enhanced precipitation over the Indian subcontinent. Notably, in the solar geoengineered scenario, marginal surface cooling is projected over the majority of the ISM region, and there is strengthening of both upper and lower level circulation. However, preferential precipitation near Western Ghats leads to dry bias over majority of Indian land. Upon the termination of the geoengineering, the climatic conditions—temperature, precipitation, winds and moisture would abruptly change to what it would have been under the global warming scenario. Thus, this may be important to note that such changes may need attention for the future mitigation and adaptation purposes if solar geoengineering is required to implement in future.
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5
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Gao RS, Rosenlof KH, Kärcher B, Tilmes S, Toon OB, Maloney C, Yu P. Toward practical stratospheric aerosol albedo modification: Solar-powered lofting. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:7/20/eabe3416. [PMID: 33990319 PMCID: PMC8121417 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abe3416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Many climate intervention (CI) methods have been proposed to offset greenhouse gas-induced global warming, but the practicalities regarding implementation have not received sufficient attention. Stratospheric aerosol injection (SAI) involves introducing large amounts of CI material well within the stratosphere to enhance the aerosol loading, thereby increasing reflection of solar radiation. We explore a delivery method termed solar-powered lofting (SPL) that uses solar energy to loft CI material injected at lower altitudes accessible by conventional aircraft. Particles that absorb solar radiation are dispersed with the CI material and heat the surrounding air. The heated air rises, carrying the CI material to the stratosphere. Global model simulations show that black carbon aerosol (10 microgram per cubic meter) is sufficient to quickly loft CI material well into the stratosphere. SPL could make SAI viable at present, is also more energy efficient, and disperses CI material faster than direct stratospheric injection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ru-Shan Gao
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Chemical Sciences Laboratory, Boulder, CO 80305, USA
| | - Karen H Rosenlof
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Chemical Sciences Laboratory, Boulder, CO 80305, USA.
| | - Bernd Kärcher
- Insititut für Physik der Atmosphäre, DLR Oberpfaffenhofen, Wessling, Germany
| | - Simone Tilmes
- National Center for Atmospheric Research, Boulder, CO 80305, USA
| | - Owen B Toon
- Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Sciences, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - Christopher Maloney
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Chemical Sciences Laboratory, Boulder, CO 80305, USA
- Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - Pengfei Yu
- Institute for Environmental and Climate Research, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.
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6
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A structural polymer for highly efficient all-day passive radiative cooling. Nat Commun 2021; 12:365. [PMID: 33446648 PMCID: PMC7809060 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-20646-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
All-day passive radiative cooling has recently attracted tremendous interest by reflecting sunlight and radiating heat to the ultracold outer space. While some progress has been made, it still remains big challenge in fabricating highly efficient and low-cost radiative coolers for all-day and all-climates. Herein, we report a hierarchically structured polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) film with a micropore array combined with random nanopores for highly efficient day- and nighttime passive radiative cooling. This hierarchically porous array PMMA film exhibits sufficiently high solar reflectance (0.95) and superior longwave infrared thermal emittance (0.98) and realizes subambient cooling of ~8.2 °C during the night and ~6.0 °C to ~8.9 °C during midday with an average cooling power of ~85 W/m2 under solar intensity of ~900 W/m2, and promisingly ~5.5 °C even under solar intensity of ~930 W/m2 and relative humidity of ~64% in hot and moist climate. The micropores and nanopores in the polymer film play crucial roles in enhancing the solar reflectance and thermal emittance. There still remains a big challenge in fabricating highly efficient and low-cost radiative coolers for all-day and all-climates. Here, the authors report a hierarchically structured polymethyl methacrylate film with a micropore array combined with random nanopores for highly efficient day- and nighttime passive radiative cooling.
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7
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Pamplany A, Gordijn B, Brereton P. The Ethics of Geoengineering: A Literature Review. SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING ETHICS 2020; 26:3069-3119. [PMID: 32813122 DOI: 10.1007/s11948-020-00258-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Geoengineering as a technological intervention to avert the dangerous climate change has been on the table at least since 2006. The global outreach of the technology exercised in a non-encapsulated system, the concerns with unprecedented levels and scales of impact and the overarching interdisciplinarity of the project make the geoengineering debate ethically quite relevant and complex. This paper explores the ethical desirability of geoengineering from an overall review of the existing literature on the ethics of geoengineering. It identifies the relevant literature on the ethics of geoengineering by employing a standard methodology. Based on various framing of the major ethical arguments and their subsets, the results section presents the opportunities and challenges at stake in geoengineering from an ethical point of view. The discussion section takes a keen interest in identifying the evolving dynamics of the debate, the grey areas of the debate, with underdeveloped arguments being brought to the foreground and in highlighting the arguments that are likely to emerge in the future as key contenders. It observes the semantic diversity and ethical ambiguity, the academic lop-sidedness of the debate, missing contextual setting, need for interdisciplinary approaches, public engagement, and region-specific assessment of ethical issues. Recommendations are made to provide a useful platform for the second generation of geoengineering ethicists to help advance the debate to more decisive domains with the required clarity and caution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Augustine Pamplany
- Institute of Science and Religion, Little Flower Seminary, Aluva, Kerala, 68301, India.
| | - Bert Gordijn
- Institute of Ethics, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Patrick Brereton
- School of Communications, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
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8
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Human Rights and Precautionary Principle: Limits to Geoengineering, SRM, and IPCC Scenarios. SUSTAINABILITY 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/su12218858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
: Most scenarios on instruments limiting global warming in line with the 1.5 °C temperature limit of the Paris Agreement rely on overshooting the emissions threshold, thus requiring the application of negative emission technologies later on. Subsequently, the debate on carbon dioxide removal (CDR) and solar radiation management (SRM) (frequently subsumed under “geoengineering”) has been reinforced. Yet, it does not determine normatively whether those are legally valid approaches to climate protection. After taking a closer look at the scope of climate scenarios and SRM methods compiling current research and opinions on SRM, this paper analyses the feasibility of geoengineering and of SRM in particular under international law. It will be shown that from the perspective of human rights, the Paris Agreement, and precautionary principle the phasing-out of fossil fuels and the reduction in consumption of livestock products as well as nature-based approaches such as sustainable—and thus climate and biodiversity-smart—forest, peatland, and agricultural management strongly prevail before geoengineering and atmospheric SRM measures in particular. However, as all of the atmospheric SRM methods are in their development phase, governance options to effectively frame further exploration of SRM technologies are proposed, maintaining that respective technologies thus far are not a viable means of climate protection.
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9
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The Buying Time Argument within the Solar Radiation Management Discourse. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/app10134637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In this article, we will establish a version of the buying time argument (BTA) in favor of Sulphur Aerosol Injection (SAI) Climate Engineering (CE). The idea is not to promote the deployment of such scheme, but rather to present the strongest possible argument pro SAI in order to look at its presuppositions, implications, critical points and uncertainties. In discussing BTA being the only morally sound argument in favor of SAI, the stakes and the overall framework will become visible. If, however, the strongest pro-SAI argument enables us to recognize some major flaws of this technology, this option should be disregarded.
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10
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Dannenberg A, Zitzelsberger S. Climate experts' views on geoengineering depend on their beliefs about climate change impacts. NATURE CLIMATE CHANGE 2019; 9:769-775. [PMID: 31579402 PMCID: PMC6774770 DOI: 10.1038/s41558-019-0564-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Climate change damages are expected to increase with global warming, which could be limited directly by solar geoengineering. Here we analyse the views of 723 negotiators and scientists involved in international climate policy who will have a significant influence on whether solar geoengineering will be deployed to counter climate change. We find that respondents who expect severe global climate change damages and who have little confidence in current mitigation efforts are more opposed to geoengineering than respondents who are less pessimistic about global damages and mitigation efforts. However, we also find that respondents are more supportive of geoengineering when they expect severe climate change damages in their home country than when they have more optimistic expectations for the home country. Thus, when respondents are more personally affected, their views are closer to what rational cost-benefit analyses predict.
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Affiliation(s)
- Astrid Dannenberg
- Department of Economics, University of Kassel, 34117 Kassel, Germany
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11
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Reynolds JL. Solar geoengineering to reduce climate change: a review of governance proposals. Proc Math Phys Eng Sci 2019; 475:20190255. [PMID: 31611719 DOI: 10.1098/rspa.2019.0255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Although solar geoengineering (alternatively 'solar radiation management' or 'solar radiation modification') appears to offer a potentially effective, inexpensive and technologically feasible additional response to climate change, it would pose serious physical risks and social challenges. Governance of its research, development and deployment is thus salient. This article reviews proposals for governing solar geoengineering. Its research may warrant dedicated governance to facilitate effectiveness and to reduce direct and socially mediated risks. Because states are not substantially engaging with solar geoengineering, non-state actors can play important governance roles. Although the concern that solar geoengineering would harmfully lessen abatement of greenhouse gas emissions is widespread, what can be done to reduce such displacement remains unclear. A moratorium on outdoor activities that would surpass certain scales is often endorsed, but an effective one would require resolving some critical, difficult details. In the long term, how to legitimately make decisions regarding whether, when and how solar geoengineering would be used is central, and suggestions how to do so diverge. Most proposals to govern commercial actors, who could provide goods and services for solar geoengineering, focus on intellectual property policy. Compensation for possible harm from outdoor activities could be through liability or a compensation fund. The review closes with suggested lines of future inquiry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse L Reynolds
- Emmett Institute on Climate Change and the Environment, University of California, Los Angeles School of Law, 385 Charles E. Young Drive East, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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12
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Farahani S, Frandsen BN, Kjaergaard HG, Lane JR. Simulated Electronic Absorption Spectra of Sulfur-Containing Molecules Present in Earth’s Atmosphere. J Phys Chem A 2019; 123:6605-6617. [PMID: 31283236 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpca.9b04668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Farahani
- School of Science, University of Waikato, Private Bag 3105, Hamilton 3240, New Zealand
| | - Benjamin N. Frandsen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Copenhagen, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Henrik G. Kjaergaard
- Department of Chemistry, University of Copenhagen, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Joseph R. Lane
- School of Science, University of Waikato, Private Bag 3105, Hamilton 3240, New Zealand
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13
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MacMartin DG, Kravitz B. Mission-driven research for stratospheric aerosol geoengineering. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:1089-1094. [PMID: 30617069 PMCID: PMC6347728 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1811022116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The last decade has seen broad exploratory research into stratospheric aerosol (SA) geoengineering, motivated by concern that reducing greenhouse gas emissions may be insufficient to avoid significant impacts from climate change. Based on this research, it is plausible that a limited deployment of SA geoengineering, provided it is used in addition to cutting emissions, could reduce many climate risks for most people. However, "plausible" is an insufficient basis on which to support future decisions. Developing the necessary knowledge requires a transition toward mission-driven research that has the explicit goal of supporting informed decisions. We highlight two important observations that follow from considering such a comprehensive, prioritized natural-science research effort. First, while field experiments may eventually be needed to reduce some of the uncertainties, we expect that the next phase of research will continue to be primarily model-based, with one outcome being to assess and prioritize which uncertainties need to be reduced (and, as a corollary, which field experiments can reduce those uncertainties). Second, we anticipate a clear separation in scale and character between small-scale experimental research to resolve specific process uncertainties and global-scale activities. We argue that the latter, even if the radiative forcing is negligible, should more appropriately be considered after a decision regarding whether and how to deploy SA geoengineering, rather than within the scope of "research" activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas G MacMartin
- Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853;
- Department of Computing and Mathematical Sciences, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125
| | - Ben Kravitz
- Atmospheric Sciences and Global Change Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA 99352
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14
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Kroll JA, Frandsen BN, Rapf RJ, Kjaergaard HG, Vaida V. Reactivity of Electronically Excited SO2 with Alkanes. J Phys Chem A 2018; 122:7782-7789. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpca.8b04643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Benjamin N. Frandsen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 5, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | | | - Henrik G. Kjaergaard
- Department of Chemistry, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 5, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
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15
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MacMartin DG, Ricke KL, Keith DW. Solar geoengineering as part of an overall strategy for meeting the 1.5°C Paris target. PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS. SERIES A, MATHEMATICAL, PHYSICAL, AND ENGINEERING SCIENCES 2018; 376:20160454. [PMID: 29610384 PMCID: PMC5897825 DOI: 10.1098/rsta.2016.0454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Solar geoengineering refers to deliberately reducing net radiative forcing by reflecting some sunlight back to space, in order to reduce anthropogenic climate changes; a possible such approach would be adding aerosols to the stratosphere. If future mitigation proves insufficient to limit the rise in global mean temperature to less than 1.5°C above preindustrial, it is plausible that some additional and limited deployment of solar geoengineering could reduce climate damages. That is, these approaches could eventually be considered as part of an overall strategy to manage the risks of climate change, combining emissions reduction, net-negative emissions technologies and solar geoengineering to meet climate goals. We first provide a physical-science review of current research, research trends and some of the key gaps in knowledge that would need to be addressed to support informed decisions. Next, since few climate model simulations have considered these limited-deployment scenarios, we synthesize prior results to assess the projected response if solar geoengineering were used to limit global mean temperature to 1.5°C above preindustrial in an overshoot scenario that would otherwise peak near 3°C. While there are some important differences, the resulting climate is closer in many respects to a climate where the 1.5°C target is achieved through mitigation alone than either is to the 3°C climate with no geoengineering. This holds for both regional temperature and precipitation changes; indeed, there are no regions where a majority of models project that this moderate level of geoengineering would produce a statistically significant shift in precipitation further away from preindustrial levels.This article is part of the theme issue 'The Paris Agreement: understanding the physical and social challenges for a warming world of 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas G MacMartin
- Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
| | - Katharine L Ricke
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography and School of Global Policy and Strategy, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - David W Keith
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
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16
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Fuglestvedt J, Rogelj J, Millar RJ, Allen M, Boucher O, Cain M, Forster PM, Kriegler E, Shindell D. Implications of possible interpretations of 'greenhouse gas balance' in the Paris Agreement. PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS. SERIES A, MATHEMATICAL, PHYSICAL, AND ENGINEERING SCIENCES 2018; 376:20160445. [PMID: 29610378 PMCID: PMC5897819 DOI: 10.1098/rsta.2016.0445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The main goal of the Paris Agreement as stated in Article 2 is 'holding the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and pursuing efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C'. Article 4 points to this long-term goal and the need to achieve 'balance between anthropogenic emissions by sources and removals by sinks of greenhouse gases'. This statement on 'greenhouse gas balance' is subject to interpretation, and clarifications are needed to make it operational for national and international climate policies. We study possible interpretations from a scientific perspective and analyse their climatic implications. We clarify how the implications for individual gases depend on the metrics used to relate them. We show that the way in which balance is interpreted, achieved and maintained influences temperature outcomes. Achieving and maintaining net-zero CO2-equivalent emissions conventionally calculated using GWP100 (100-year global warming potential) and including substantial positive contributions from short-lived climate-forcing agents such as methane would result in a sustained decline in global temperature. A modified approach to the use of GWP100 (that equates constant emissions of short-lived climate forcers with zero sustained emission of CO2) results in global temperatures remaining approximately constant once net-zero CO2-equivalent emissions are achieved and maintained. Our paper provides policymakers with an overview of issues and choices that are important to determine which approach is most appropriate in the context of the Paris Agreement.This article is part of the theme issue 'The Paris Agreement: understanding the physical and social challenges for a warming world of 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels'.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Fuglestvedt
- CICERO Center for International Climate Research, PO Box 1129, Blindern, 0318 Oslo, Norway
| | - J Rogelj
- Energy Program, International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), 2361 Laxenburg, Austria
- Institute for Atmospheric and Climate Science, ETH Zurich, Universitätstrasse 16, 8006 Zurich, Switzerland
- Environmental Change Institute, School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QY, UK
| | - R J Millar
- Environmental Change Institute, School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QY, UK
| | - M Allen
- Environmental Change Institute, School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QY, UK
- Department of Physics, University of Oxford, Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PU, UK
| | - O Boucher
- Institut Pierre-Simon Laplace, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - M Cain
- Environmental Change Institute, School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QY, UK
- Oxford Martin School, University of Oxford, 34 Broad Street, Oxford OX1 3BD, UK
| | - P M Forster
- School of Earth and Environment, Maths/Earth and Environment Building, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - E Kriegler
- Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), Member of the Leibniz Association, PO Box 601203, 14412 Potsdam, Germany
| | - D Shindell
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
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17
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Effiong U, Neitzel RL. Assessing the direct occupational and public health impacts of solar radiation management with stratospheric aerosols. Environ Health 2016; 15:7. [PMID: 26786592 PMCID: PMC4717532 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-016-0089-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2015] [Accepted: 01/10/2016] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Geoengineering is the deliberate large-scale manipulation of environmental processes that affects the Earth's climate, in an attempt to counteract the effects of climate change. Injecting sulfate aerosol precursors and designed nanoparticles into the stratosphere to (i.e., solar radiation management [SRM]), has been suggested as one approach to geoengineering. Although much is being done to unravel the scientific and technical challenges around geoengineering, there have been few efforts to characterize the potential human health impacts of geoengineering, particularly with regards to SRM approaches involving stratospheric aerosols. This paper explores this information gap. Using available evidence, we describe the potential direct occupational and public health impacts of exposures to aerosols likely to be used for SRM, including environmental sulfates, black carbon, metallic aluminum, and aluminum oxide aerosols. We speculate on possible health impacts of exposure to one promising SRM material, barium titanate, using knowledge of similar nanomaterials. We also explore current regulatory efforts to minimize exposure to these toxicants. Our analysis suggests that adverse public health impacts may reasonably be expected from SRM via deployment of stratospheric aerosols. Little is known about the toxicity of some likely candidate aerosols, and there is no consensus regarding acceptable levels for public exposure to these materials. There is also little infrastructure in place to evaluate potential public health impacts in the event that stratospheric aerosols are deployed for solar radiation management. We offer several recommendations intended to help characterize the potential occupation and public health impacts of SRM, and suggest that a comprehensive risk assessment effort is needed before this approach to geoengineering receives further consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Utibe Effiong
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
| | - Richard L Neitzel
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
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18
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Kuo KA, Hunt HEM. Isothermal pumping analysis for high-altitude tethered balloons. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2015; 2:140468. [PMID: 26543573 PMCID: PMC4632537 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.140468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2014] [Accepted: 05/19/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
High-altitude tethered balloons have potential applications in communications, surveillance, meteorological observations and climate engineering. To maintain balloon buoyancy, power fuel cells and perturb atmospheric conditions, fluids could be pumped from ground level to altitude using the tether as a hose. This paper examines the pumping requirements of such a delivery system. Cases considered include delivery of hydrogen, sulfur dioxide (SO2) and powders as fluid-based slurries. Isothermal analysis is used to determine the variation of pressures and velocities along the pipe length. Results show that transport of small quantities of hydrogen to power fuel cells and maintain balloon buoyancy can be achieved at pressures and temperatures that are tolerable in terms of both the pipe strength and the current state of pumping technologies. To avoid solidification, transport of SO2 would require elevated temperatures that cannot be tolerated by the strength fibres in the pipe. While the use of particle-based slurries rather than SO2 for climate engineering can reduce the pipe size significantly, the pumping pressures are close to the maximum bursting pressure of the pipe.
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Morrow DR. Ethical aspects of the mitigation obstruction argument against climate engineering research. PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS. SERIES A, MATHEMATICAL, PHYSICAL, AND ENGINEERING SCIENCES 2014; 372:rsta.2014.0062. [PMID: 25404676 DOI: 10.1098/rsta.2014.0062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Many commentators fear that climate engineering research might lead policy-makers to reduce mitigation efforts. Most of the literature on this so-called 'moral hazard' problem focuses on the prediction that climate engineering research would reduce mitigation efforts. This paper focuses on a related ethical question: Why would it be a bad thing if climate engineering research obstructed mitigation? If climate engineering promises to be effective enough, it might justify some reduction in mitigation. Climate policy portfolios involving sufficiently large or poorly planned reductions in mitigation, however, could lead to an outcome that would be worse than the portfolio that would be chosen in the absence of further climate engineering research. This paper applies three ethical perspectives to describe the kinds of portfolios that would be worse than that 'baseline portfolio'. The literature on climate engineering identifies various mechanisms that might cause policy-makers to choose these inferior portfolios, but it is difficult to know in advance whether the existence of these mechanisms means that climate engineering research really would lead to a worse outcome. In the light of that uncertainty, a precautionary approach suggests that researchers should take measures to reduce the risk of mitigation obstruction. Several such measures are suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- David R Morrow
- Department of Philosophy, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
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20
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Oldham P, Szerszynski B, Stilgoe J, Brown C, Eacott B, Yuille A. Mapping the landscape of climate engineering. PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS. SERIES A, MATHEMATICAL, PHYSICAL, AND ENGINEERING SCIENCES 2014; 372:rsta.2014.0065. [PMID: 25404683 PMCID: PMC4240957 DOI: 10.1098/rsta.2014.0065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
In the absence of a governance framework for climate engineering technologies such as solar radiation management (SRM), the practices of scientific research and intellectual property acquisition can de facto shape the development of the field. It is therefore important to make visible emerging patterns of research and patenting, which we suggest can effectively be done using bibliometric methods. We explore the challenges in defining the boundary of climate engineering, and set out the research strategy taken in this study. A dataset of 825 scientific publications on climate engineering between 1971 and 2013 was identified, including 193 on SRM; these are analysed in terms of trends, institutions, authors and funders. For our patent dataset, we identified 143 first filings directly or indirectly related to climate engineering technologies-of which 28 were related to SRM technologies-linked to 910 family members. We analyse the main patterns discerned in patent trends, applicants and inventors. We compare our own findings with those of an earlier bibliometric study of climate engineering, and show how our method is consistent with the need for transparency and repeatability, and the need to adjust the method as the field develops. We conclude that bibliometric monitoring techniques can play an important role in the anticipatory governance of climate engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Oldham
- One World Analytics, 3B Waterview, White Cross, Lancaster, UK
| | - B Szerszynski
- Centre for the Study of Environmental Change, Department of Sociology, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YT, UK
| | - J Stilgoe
- Department of Science and Technology Studies, University College London, Gower St., London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - C Brown
- Centre for the Study of Environmental Change, Department of Sociology, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YT, UK
| | - B Eacott
- Department of Science and Technology Studies, University College London, Gower St., London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - A Yuille
- Centre for the Study of Environmental Change, Department of Sociology, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YT, UK
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MacMartin DG, Caldeira K, Keith DW. Solar geoengineering to limit the rate of temperature change. PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS. SERIES A, MATHEMATICAL, PHYSICAL, AND ENGINEERING SCIENCES 2014; 372:rsta.2014.0134. [PMID: 25404687 DOI: 10.1098/rsta.2014.0134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Solar geoengineering has been suggested as a tool that might reduce damage from anthropogenic climate change. Analysis often assumes that geoengineering would be used to maintain a constant global mean temperature. Under this scenario, geoengineering would be required either indefinitely (on societal time scales) or until atmospheric CO2 concentrations were sufficiently reduced. Impacts of climate change, however, are related to the rate of change as well as its magnitude. We thus describe an alternative scenario in which solar geoengineering is used only to constrain the rate of change of global mean temperature; this leads to a finite deployment period for any emissions pathway that stabilizes global mean temperature. The length of deployment and amount of geoengineering required depends on the emissions pathway and allowable rate of change, e.g. in our simulations, reducing the maximum approximately 0.3°C per decade rate of change in an RCP 4.5 pathway to 0.1°C per decade would require geoengineering for 160 years; under RCP 6.0, the required time nearly doubles. We demonstrate that feedback control can limit rates of change in a climate model. Finally, we note that a decision to terminate use of solar geoengineering does not automatically imply rapid temperature increases: feedback could be used to limit rates of change in a gradual phase-out.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas G MacMartin
- Control and Dynamical Systems, California Institute of Technology, 1200 E. California Boulevard, M/C 305-16, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Ken Caldeira
- Department of Global Ecology, Carnegie Institution for Science, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - David W Keith
- School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
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22
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Baum SD, Maher TM, Haqq-Misra J. Double catastrophe: intermittent stratospheric geoengineering induced by societal collapse. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s10669-012-9429-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Abstract
Proposals to address present-day global warming through the large-scale application of technology to the climate system, known as geoengineering, raise questions of environmental ethics relevant to the broader issue of planetary engineering. These questions have also arisen in the scientific literature as discussions of how to terraform a planet such as Mars or Venus in order to make it more Earth-like and habitable. Here we draw on insights from terraforming and environmental ethics to develop a two-axis comparative tool for ethical frameworks that considers the intrinsic or instrumental value placed upon organisms, environments, planetary systems, or space. We apply this analysis to the realm of planetary engineering, such as terraforming on Mars or geoengineering on present-day Earth, as well as to questions of planetary protection and space exploration.
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Freeman C, Fenner N, Shirsat AH. Peatland geoengineering: an alternative approach to terrestrial carbon sequestration. PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS. SERIES A, MATHEMATICAL, PHYSICAL, AND ENGINEERING SCIENCES 2012; 370:4404-4421. [PMID: 22869805 DOI: 10.1098/rsta.2012.0105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Terrestrial and oceanic ecosystems contribute almost equally to the sequestration of ca 50 per cent of anthropogenic CO(2) emissions, and already play a role in minimizing our impact on Earth's climate. On land, the majority of the sequestered carbon enters soil carbon stores. Almost one-third of that soil carbon can be found in peatlands, an area covering just 2-3% of the Earth's landmass. Peatlands are thus well established as powerful agents of carbon capture and storage; the preservation of archaeological artefacts, such as ancient bog bodies, further attest to their exceptional preservative properties. Peatlands have higher carbon storage densities per unit ecosystem area than either the oceans or dry terrestrial systems. However, despite attempts over a number of years at enhancing carbon capture in the oceans or in land-based afforestation schemes, no attempt has yet been made to optimize peatland carbon storage capacity or even to harness peatlands to store externally captured carbon. Recent studies suggest that peatland carbon sequestration is due to the inhibitory effects of phenolic compounds that create an 'enzymic latch' on decomposition. Here, we propose to harness that mechanism in a series of peatland geoengineering strategies whereby molecular, biogeochemical, agronomical and afforestation approaches increase carbon capture and long-term sequestration in peat-forming terrestrial ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Freeman
- Wolfson Carbon Capture Laboratory, School of Biological Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor LL57 2UW, UK
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25
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Vaughan NE, Lenton TM. Interactions between reducing CO2 emissions, CO2 removal and solar radiation management. PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS. SERIES A, MATHEMATICAL, PHYSICAL, AND ENGINEERING SCIENCES 2012; 370:4343-4364. [PMID: 22869802 DOI: 10.1098/rsta.2012.0188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
We use a simple carbon cycle-climate model to investigate the interactions between a selection of idealized scenarios of mitigated carbon dioxide emissions, carbon dioxide removal (CDR) and solar radiation management (SRM). Two CO(2) emissions trajectories differ by a 15-year delay in the start of mitigation activity. SRM is modelled as a reduction in incoming solar radiation that fully compensates the radiative forcing due to changes in atmospheric CO(2) concentration. Two CDR scenarios remove 300 PgC by afforestation (added to vegetation and soil) or 1000 PgC by bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (removed from system). Our results show that delaying the start of mitigation activity could be very costly in terms of the CDR activity needed later to limit atmospheric CO(2) concentration (and corresponding global warming) to a given level. Avoiding a 15-year delay in the start of mitigation activity is more effective at reducing atmospheric CO(2) concentrations than all but the maximum type of CDR interventions. The effects of applying SRM and CDR together are additive, and this shows most clearly for atmospheric CO(2) concentration. SRM causes a significant reduction in atmospheric CO(2) concentration due to increased carbon storage by the terrestrial biosphere, especially soils. However, SRM has to be maintained for many centuries to avoid rapid increases in temperature and corresponding increases in atmospheric CO(2) concentration due to loss of carbon from the land.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi E Vaughan
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK.
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26
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Davidson P, Burgoyne C, Hunt H, Causier M. Lifting options for stratospheric aerosol geoengineering: advantages of tethered balloon systems. PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS. SERIES A, MATHEMATICAL, PHYSICAL, AND ENGINEERING SCIENCES 2012; 370:4263-4300. [PMID: 22869799 DOI: 10.1098/rsta.2011.0639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The Royal Society report 'Geoengineering the Climate' identified solar radiation management using albedo-enhancing aerosols injected into the stratosphere as the most affordable and effective option for geoengineering, but did not consider in any detail the options for delivery. This paper provides outline engineering analyses of the options, both for batch-delivery processes, following up on previous work for artillery shells, missiles, aircraft and free-flying balloons, as well as a more lengthy analysis of continuous-delivery systems that require a pipe connected to the ground and supported at a height of 20 km, either by a tower or by a tethered balloon. Towers are shown not to be practical, but a tethered balloon delivery system, with high-pressure pumping, appears to have much lower operating and capital costs than all other delivery options. Instead of transporting sulphuric acid mist precursors, such a system could also be used to transport slurries of high refractive index particles such as coated titanium dioxide. The use of such particles would allow useful experiments on opacity, coagulation and atmospheric chemistry at modest rates so as not to perturb regional or global climatic conditions, thus reducing scale-up risks. Criteria for particle choice are discussed, including the need to minimize or prevent ozone destruction. The paper estimates the time scales and relatively modest costs required if a tethered balloon system were to be introduced in a measured way with testing and development work proceeding over three decades, rather than in an emergency. The manufacture of a tether capable of sustaining the high tensions and internal pressures needed, as well as strong winds, is a significant challenge, as is the development of the necessary pumping and dispersion technologies. The greatest challenge may be the manufacture and launch of very large balloons, but means have been identified to significantly reduce the size of such balloons or aerostats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Davidson
- Davidson Technology Limited, 8a Village Walk, Onchan, Isle of Man
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27
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Russell LM, Rasch PJ, Mace GM, Jackson RB, Shepherd J, Liss P, Leinen M, Schimel D, Vaughan NE, Janetos AC, Boyd PW, Norby RJ, Caldeira K, Merikanto J, Artaxo P, Melillo J, Morgan MG. Ecosystem impacts of geoengineering: a review for developing a science plan. AMBIO 2012; 41:350-69. [PMID: 22430307 PMCID: PMC3393062 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-012-0258-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2011] [Revised: 09/27/2011] [Accepted: 01/31/2012] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Geoengineering methods are intended to reduce climate change, which is already having demonstrable effects on ecosystem structure and functioning in some regions. Two types of geoengineering activities that have been proposed are: carbon dioxide (CO(2)) removal (CDR), which removes CO(2) from the atmosphere, and solar radiation management (SRM, or sunlight reflection methods), which reflects a small percentage of sunlight back into space to offset warming from greenhouse gases (GHGs). Current research suggests that SRM or CDR might diminish the impacts of climate change on ecosystems by reducing changes in temperature and precipitation. However, sudden cessation of SRM would exacerbate the climate effects on ecosystems, and some CDR might interfere with oceanic and terrestrial ecosystem processes. The many risks and uncertainties associated with these new kinds of purposeful perturbations to the Earth system are not well understood and require cautious and comprehensive research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynn M. Russell
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr. Mail Code 0221, La Jolla, CA 92093-0221 USA
| | - Philip J. Rasch
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, 902 Battelle Boulevard, P. O. Box 999, MSIN K9-34, Richland, WA 99352 USA
| | - Georgina M. Mace
- Centre for Population Biology, Imperial College London, Ascot, Berks SL5 7PY UK
| | - Robert B. Jackson
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708 USA
| | - John Shepherd
- Earth System Science, School of Ocean and Earth Sciences, National Oceanography Centre, University of Southampton, European Way, Southampton, SO14 3ZH UK
| | - Peter Liss
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ UK
| | - Margaret Leinen
- Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, 5600 US Rt 1 North, Fort Pierce, FL 34946 USA
| | | | - Naomi E. Vaughan
- Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research, School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ UK
| | - Anthony C. Janetos
- Joint Global Change Research Institute Pacific Northwest National Laboratory/University of Maryland, 5825 University Research Court, Suite 3500, College Park, MD 20740 USA
| | - Philip W. Boyd
- NIWA Centre of Chemical & Physical Oceanography, Department of Chemistry, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Richard J. Norby
- Environmental Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Bethel Valley Road, Bldg. 2040, MS-6301, Oak Ridge, TN 37831-6301 USA
| | - Ken Caldeira
- Department of Global Ecology, Carnegie Institution, Stanford, CA 94305 USA
| | - Joonas Merikanto
- Division of Atmospheric Sciences, Department of Physics, University of Helsinki, P.O Box 64, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Paulo Artaxo
- Institute of Physics, University of São Paulo, Rua do Matão, Travessa R, 187, São Paulo, SP CEP 05508-090 Brazil
| | - Jerry Melillo
- The Ecosystems Center, Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, MA 02543 USA
| | - M. Granger Morgan
- Department of Engineering and Public Policy, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 USA
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Buck HJ. Geoengineering: re-making climate for profit or humanitarian intervention? DEVELOPMENT AND CHANGE 2012; 43:253-270. [PMID: 22662349 DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-7660.2011.01744.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Climate engineering, or geoengineering, refers to large-scale climate interventions to lower the earth's temperature, either by blocking incoming sunlight or removing carbon dioxide from the biosphere. Regarded as ‘technofixes’ by critics, these strategies have evoked concern that they would extend the shelf life of fossil-fuel driven socio-ecological systems for far longer than they otherwise would, or should, endure. A critical reading views geoengineering as a class project that is designed to keep the climate system stable enough for existing production systems to continue operating. This article first examines these concerns, and then goes on to envision a regime driven by humanitarian agendas and concern for vulnerable populations, implemented through international development and aid institutions. The motivations of those who fund research and implement geoengineering techniques are important, as the rationale for developing geoengineering strategies will determine which techniques are pursued, and hence which ecologies are produced. The logic that shapes the geoengineering research process could potentially influence social ecologies centuries from now.
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Restoring coastal plants to improve global carbon storage: reaping what we sow. PLoS One 2011; 6:e18311. [PMID: 21479244 PMCID: PMC3066232 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0018311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2010] [Accepted: 03/03/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Long-term carbon capture and storage (CCS) is currently considered a viable strategy for mitigating rising levels of atmospheric CO(2) and associated impacts of global climate change. Until recently, the significant below-ground CCS capacity of coastal vegetation such as seagrasses, salt marshes, and mangroves has largely gone unrecognized in models of global carbon transfer. However, this reservoir of natural, free, and sustainable carbon storage potential is increasingly jeopardized by alarming trends in coastal habitat loss, totalling 30-50% of global abundance over the last century alone. Human intervention to restore lost habitats is a potentially powerful solution to improve natural rates of global CCS, but data suggest this approach is unlikely to substantially improve long-term CCS unless current restoration efforts are increased to an industrial scale. Failure to do so raises the question of whether resources currently used for expensive and time-consuming restoration projects would be more wisely invested in arresting further habitat loss and encouraging natural recovery.
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30
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Krotkov NA, Schoeberl MR, Morris GA, Carn S, Yang K. Dispersion and lifetime of the SO2cloud from the August 2008 Kasatochi eruption. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010. [DOI: 10.1029/2010jd013984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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31
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The Influence of Stratospheric Sulphate Aerosol Deployment on the Surface Air Temperature and the Risk of an Abrupt Global Warming. ATMOSPHERE 2010. [DOI: 10.3390/atmos1010062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Ammann CM, Washington WM, Meehl GA, Buja L, Teng H. Climate engineering through artificial enhancement of natural forcings: Magnitudes and implied consequences. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010. [DOI: 10.1029/2009jd012878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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Photophoretic levitation of engineered aerosols for geoengineering. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2010; 107:16428-31. [PMID: 20823254 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1009519107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Aerosols could be injected into the upper atmosphere to engineer the climate by scattering incident sunlight so as to produce a cooling tendency that may mitigate the risks posed by the accumulation of greenhouse gases. Analysis of climate engineering has focused on sulfate aerosols. Here I examine the possibility that engineered nanoparticles could exploit photophoretic forces, enabling more control over particle distribution and lifetime than is possible with sulfates, perhaps allowing climate engineering to be accomplished with fewer side effects. The use of electrostatic or magnetic materials enables a class of photophoretic forces not found in nature. Photophoretic levitation could loft particles above the stratosphere, reducing their capacity to interfere with ozone chemistry; and, by increasing particle lifetimes, it would reduce the need for continual replenishment of the aerosol. Moreover, particles might be engineered to drift poleward enabling albedo modification to be tailored to counter polar warming while minimizing the impact on equatorial climates.
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Abstract
Geoengineering has been proposed as a feasible way of mitigating anthropogenic climate change, especially increasing global temperatures in the 21st century. The two main geoengineering options are limiting incoming solar radiation, or modifying the carbon cycle. Here we examine the impact of five geoengineering approaches on sea level; SO(2) aerosol injection into the stratosphere, mirrors in space, afforestation, biochar, and bioenergy with carbon sequestration. Sea level responds mainly at centennial time scales to temperature change, and has been largely driven by anthropogenic forcing since 1850. Making use a model of sea-level rise as a function of time-varying climate forcing factors (solar radiation, volcanism, and greenhouse gas emissions) we find that sea-level rise by 2100 will likely be 30 cm higher than 2000 levels despite all but the most aggressive geoengineering under all except the most stringent greenhouse gas emissions scenarios. The least risky and most desirable way of limiting sea-level rise is bioenergy with carbon sequestration. However aerosol injection or a space mirror system reducing insolation at an accelerating rate of 1 W m(-2) per decade from now to 2100 could limit or reduce sea levels. Aerosol injection delivering a constant 4 W m(-2) reduction in radiative forcing (similar to a 1991 Pinatubo eruption every 18 months) could delay sea-level rise by 40-80 years. Aerosol injection appears to fail cost-benefit analysis unless it can be maintained continuously, and damage caused by the climate response to the aerosols is less than about 0.6% Global World Product.
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Sahu RC, Patel RK, Ray BC. Neutralization of red mud using CO2 sequestration cycle. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2010; 179:28-34. [PMID: 20346587 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2010.02.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2009] [Revised: 01/29/2010] [Accepted: 02/16/2010] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
A laboratory study was conducted to investigate the ability of neutralization of red mud (RM) using carbon dioxide gas sequestration cycle at ambient conditions. The neutralized red mud (NRM) was characterized by XRD, SEM, EDX, FT-IR and auto titration method. X-ray diffraction pattern of NRM was revealed that the intensity of gibbsite was increased prominently and formed ilmenite due to dissolution of minerals. EDX analysis was showed that the %(w/w) of Na, C, O, Si were higher in the carbonated filtrate as compared to the RM and NRM. The permanently sequestered CO(2)%(w/w) per 10 g of red mud were approximately 26.33, approximately 58.01, approximately 55.37, and approximately 54.42 in NRM and first, second, third cycles of carbonated filtrate, respectively. The pH of red mud was decreased from approximately 11.8 to approximately 8.45 and alkalinity was decreased from approximately 10,789 to approximately 178 mg/L. The acid neutralizing capacity of NRM was approximately 0.23 mol H(+)/kg of red mud. The specific advantages of these cyclic processes are that, large amount of CO(2) can be captured as compared to single step.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramesh Chandra Sahu
- Department of Chemistry, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela 769008, Orissa, India.
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36
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Climatic changes: what if the global increase of CO(2) emissions cannot be kept under control? Braz J Med Biol Res 2010; 43:230-3. [PMID: 20401429 DOI: 10.1590/s0100-879x2010007500010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2009] [Accepted: 02/05/2010] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Climatic changes threaten the planet. Most articles related to the subject present estimates of the disasters expected to occur, but few have proposed ways to deal with the impending menaces. One such threat is the global warming caused by the continuous increase in CO2 emissions leading to rising ocean levels due to the increasing temperatures of the polar regions. This threat is assumed to eventually cause the death of hundreds of millions of people. We propose to desalinize ocean water as a means to reduce the rise of ocean levels and to use this water for populations that need good quality potable water, precisely in the poorest regions of the planet. Technology is available in many countries to provide desalinated water at a justifiable cost considering the lives threatened both in coastal and desertified areas.
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Sutherland WJ, Clout M, Côté IM, Daszak P, Depledge MH, Fellman L, Fleishman E, Garthwaite R, Gibbons DW, De Lurio J, Impey AJ, Lickorish F, Lindenmayer D, Madgwick J, Margerison C, Maynard T, Peck LS, Pretty J, Prior S, Redford KH, Scharlemann JP, Spalding M, Watkinson AR. A horizon scan of global conservation issues for 2010. Trends Ecol Evol 2010; 25:1-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2009.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 204] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2009] [Revised: 10/12/2009] [Accepted: 10/12/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Abstract
Glaciers serve as early indicators of climate change. Over the last 35 years, our research team has recovered ice-core records of climatic and environmental variations from the polar regions and from low-latitude high-elevation ice fields from 16 countries. The ongoing widespread melting of high-elevation glaciers and ice caps, particularly in low to middle latitudes, provides some of the strongest evidence to date that a large-scale, pervasive, and, in some cases, rapid change in Earth's climate system is underway. This paper highlights observations of 20th and 21st century glacier shrinkage in the Andes, the Himalayas, and on Mount Kilimanjaro. Ice cores retrieved from shrinking glaciers around the world confirm their continuous existence for periods ranging from hundreds of years to multiple millennia, suggesting that climatological conditions that dominate those regions today are different from those under which these ice fields originally accumulated and have been sustained. The current warming is therefore unusual when viewed from the millennial perspective provided by multiple lines of proxy evidence and the 160-year record of direct temperature measurements. Despite all this evidence, plus the well-documented continual increase in atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations, societies have taken little action to address this global-scale problem. Hence, the rate of global carbon dioxide emissions continues to accelerate. As a result of our inaction, we have three options: mitigation, adaptation, and suffering.
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Höppner C. Public engagement in climate change – Disjunctions, tensions and blind spots in the UK. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009. [DOI: 10.1088/1755-1315/8/1/012010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Schneider DP, Ammann CM, Otto-Bliesner BL, Kaufman DS. Climate response to large, high-latitude and low-latitude volcanic eruptions in the Community Climate System Model. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009. [DOI: 10.1029/2008jd011222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Tilmes S, Garcia RR, Kinnison DE, Gettelman A, Rasch PJ. Impact of geoengineered aerosols on the troposphere and stratosphere. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009. [DOI: 10.1029/2008jd011420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Jones A, Haywood J, Boucher O. Climate impacts of geoengineering marine stratocumulus clouds. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009. [DOI: 10.1029/2008jd011450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Abstract
There is international consensus that 'dangerous' climate change must be avoided. Yet without radical changes in energy sources and usage and global economies, changes that so far society has been unable or unwilling to make, it seems highly likely that we will start to experience unacceptably damaging and/or societally disruptive global environmental change later this century. What actions can be taken to safeguard future environmental quality, ecosystems, agriculture, economy, and society? A new science--'geoengineering'--that until recently would have seemed pure science fiction, promises an alternative way of temporarily regaining control of climate. Colossal engineering schemes to shade the sun, make the atmosphere hazier, modify clouds, even throw iron into the ocean, are all being promoted as possible ways out of our dilemma. This article considers the state of this new science, and its implications for society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Irvine
- University of Bristol, School of Geographical Sciences, University Road, Bristol BS8 ISS, UK.
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Ridgwell A, Singarayer JS, Hetherington AM, Valdes PJ. Tackling Regional Climate Change By Leaf Albedo Bio-geoengineering. Curr Biol 2009; 19:146-50. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2008.12.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2008] [Revised: 12/03/2008] [Accepted: 12/04/2008] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Rasch PJ, Tilmes S, Turco RP, Robock A, Oman L, Chen CC, Stenchikov GL, Garcia RR. An overview of geoengineering of climate using stratospheric sulphate aerosols. PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS. SERIES A, MATHEMATICAL, PHYSICAL, AND ENGINEERING SCIENCES 2008; 366:4007-4037. [PMID: 18757276 DOI: 10.1098/rsta.2008.0131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
We provide an overview of geoengineering by stratospheric sulphate aerosols. The state of understanding about this topic as of early 2008 is reviewed, summarizing the past 30 years of work in the area, highlighting some very recent studies using climate models, and discussing methods used to deliver sulphur species to the stratosphere. The studies reviewed here suggest that sulphate aerosols can counteract the globally averaged temperature increase associated with increasing greenhouse gases, and reduce changes to some other components of the Earth system. There are likely to be remaining regional climate changes after geoengineering, with some regions experiencing significant changes in temperature or precipitation. The aerosols also serve as surfaces for heterogeneous chemistry resulting in increased ozone depletion. The delivery of sulphur species to the stratosphere in a way that will produce particles of the right size is shown to be a complex and potentially very difficult task. Two simple delivery scenarios are explored, but similar exercises will be needed for other suggested delivery mechanisms. While the introduction of the geoengineering source of sulphate aerosol will perturb the sulphur cycle of the stratosphere signicantly, it is a small perturbation to the total (stratosphere and troposphere) sulphur cycle. The geoengineering source would thus be a small contributor to the total global source of 'acid rain' that could be compensated for through improved pollution control of anthropogenic tropospheric sources. Some areas of research remain unexplored. Although ozone may be depleted, with a consequent increase to solar ultraviolet-B (UVB) energy reaching the surface and a potential impact on health and biological populations, the aerosols will also scatter and attenuate this part of the energy spectrum, and this may compensate the UVB enhancement associated with ozone depletion. The aerosol will also change the ratio of diffuse to direct energy reaching the surface, and this may influence ecosystems. The impact of geoengineering on these components of the Earth system has not yet been studied. Representations for the formation, evolution and removal of aerosol and distribution of particle size are still very crude, and more work will be needed to gain confidence in our understanding of the deliberate production of this class of aerosols and their role in the climate system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip J Rasch
- National Center for Atmospheric Research, Boulder, CO 80307, USA.
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Caldeira K, Wood L. Global and Arctic climate engineering: numerical model studies. PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS. SERIES A, MATHEMATICAL, PHYSICAL, AND ENGINEERING SCIENCES 2008; 366:4039-56. [PMID: 18757275 DOI: 10.1098/rsta.2008.0132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
We perform numerical simulations of the atmosphere, sea ice and upper ocean to examine possible effects of diminishing incoming solar radiation, insolation, on the climate system. We simulate both global and Arctic climate engineering in idealized scenarios in which insolation is diminished above the top of the atmosphere. We consider the Arctic scenarios because climate change is manifesting most strongly there. Our results indicate that, while such simple insolation modulation is unlikely to perfectly reverse the effects of greenhouse gas warming, over a broad range of measures considering both temperature and water, an engineered high CO2 climate can be made much more similar to the low CO2 climate than would be a high CO2 climate in the absence of such engineering. At high latitudes, there is less sunlight deflected per unit albedo change but climate system feedbacks operate more powerfully there. These two effects largely cancel each other, making the global mean temperature response per unit top-of-atmosphere albedo change relatively insensitive to latitude. Implementing insolation modulation appears to be feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken Caldeira
- Department of Global Ecology, Carnegie Institution, 260 Panama Street, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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Robock A, Oman L, Stenchikov GL. Regional climate responses to geoengineering with tropical and Arctic SO2injections. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008. [DOI: 10.1029/2008jd010050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 289] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Robock
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA.
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Bala G, Duffy PB, Taylor KE. Impact of geoengineering schemes on the global hydrological cycle. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2008; 105:7664-9. [PMID: 18505844 PMCID: PMC2409412 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0711648105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 210] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2007] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The rapidly rising CO(2) level in the atmosphere has led to proposals of climate stabilization by "geoengineering" schemes that would mitigate climate change by intentionally reducing solar radiation incident on Earth's surface. In this article we address the impact of these climate stabilization schemes on the global hydrological cycle. By using equilibrium climate simulations, we show that insolation reductions sufficient to offset global-scale temperature increases lead to a decrease in global mean precipitation. This occurs because solar forcing is more effective in driving changes in global mean evaporation than is CO(2) forcing of a similar magnitude. In the model used here, the hydrological sensitivity, defined as the percentage change in global mean precipitation per degree warming, is 2.4% K(-1) for solar forcing, but only 1.5% K(-1) for CO(2) forcing. Although other models and the climate system itself may differ quantitatively from this result, the conclusion can be understood based on simple considerations of the surface energy budget and thus is likely to be robust. For the same surface temperature change, insolation changes result in relatively larger changes in net radiative fluxes at the surface; these are compensated by larger changes in the sum of latent and sensible heat fluxes. Hence, the hydrological cycle is more sensitive to temperature adjustment by changes in insolation than by changes in greenhouse gases. This implies that an alteration in solar forcing might offset temperature changes or hydrological changes from greenhouse warming, but could not cancel both at once.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Bala
- Atmosphere, Earth, and Energy Division, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA 94550, USA.
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