Feb 26, 2014
Researchers from Germany's Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel published the findings, which echo other studies' warnings of geoengineering, in the journal Nature Communications.
Using computer simulations to look at the long-term global consequences of several climate engineering methods, the researchers found that these methods could provide only minor benefits to reducing global warming but could spark severe side effects.
The study looked at five widely discussed strategies: reducing incoming solar radiation through atmospheric aerosols or mirrors, 'greening' large desert areas in North Africa and Australia by wide-scale tree planting, and three different ways to manipulate the ocean including ocean alkalinization.
"All of the methods have unintended side effects," the authors found, and are relatively ineffective--less than 8 percent--at reducing warming in comparison to the expected trajectory of CO2 emissions.
The afforestation technique, in fact, could make warming worse.
"The forests removed carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, but at the same time the earth's surface became darker and could store more heat," lead author Dr. David Keller explained.
Other problems could occur if a climate engineering method was stopped.
While they found that reduction of solar radiation could slow down warming significantly, if that measure were suddenly stopped after 50 years, for example, that could spark a several-degree global warming increase in just a few decades, and "This change would be much faster than the current rate of climate change, with potentially even more catastrophic consequences," said Keller.
In all their simulations, atmospheric CO2 "still reaches more than twice the current level by the end of the century," the authors write.
The best way to deal with climate change, the authors conclude, is to mitigate CO2 emissions
_____________________
Why Your Ongoing Support Is Essential
Donald Trump’s attacks on democracy, justice, and a free press are escalating — putting everything we stand for at risk. We believe a better world is possible, but we can’t get there without your support. Common Dreams stands apart. We answer only to you — our readers, activists, and changemakers — not to billionaires or corporations. Our independence allows us to cover the vital stories that others won’t, spotlighting movements for peace, equality, and human rights. Right now, our work faces unprecedented challenges. Misinformation is spreading, journalists are under attack, and financial pressures are mounting. As a reader-supported, nonprofit newsroom, your support is crucial to keep this journalism alive. Whatever you can give — $10, $25, or $100 — helps us stay strong and responsive when the world needs us most. Together, we’ll continue to build the independent, courageous journalism our movement relies on. Thank you for being part of this community. |
Our work is licensed under Creative Commons (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0). Feel free to republish and share widely.
Researchers from Germany's Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel published the findings, which echo other studies' warnings of geoengineering, in the journal Nature Communications.
Using computer simulations to look at the long-term global consequences of several climate engineering methods, the researchers found that these methods could provide only minor benefits to reducing global warming but could spark severe side effects.
The study looked at five widely discussed strategies: reducing incoming solar radiation through atmospheric aerosols or mirrors, 'greening' large desert areas in North Africa and Australia by wide-scale tree planting, and three different ways to manipulate the ocean including ocean alkalinization.
"All of the methods have unintended side effects," the authors found, and are relatively ineffective--less than 8 percent--at reducing warming in comparison to the expected trajectory of CO2 emissions.
The afforestation technique, in fact, could make warming worse.
"The forests removed carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, but at the same time the earth's surface became darker and could store more heat," lead author Dr. David Keller explained.
Other problems could occur if a climate engineering method was stopped.
While they found that reduction of solar radiation could slow down warming significantly, if that measure were suddenly stopped after 50 years, for example, that could spark a several-degree global warming increase in just a few decades, and "This change would be much faster than the current rate of climate change, with potentially even more catastrophic consequences," said Keller.
In all their simulations, atmospheric CO2 "still reaches more than twice the current level by the end of the century," the authors write.
The best way to deal with climate change, the authors conclude, is to mitigate CO2 emissions
_____________________
Researchers from Germany's Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel published the findings, which echo other studies' warnings of geoengineering, in the journal Nature Communications.
Using computer simulations to look at the long-term global consequences of several climate engineering methods, the researchers found that these methods could provide only minor benefits to reducing global warming but could spark severe side effects.
The study looked at five widely discussed strategies: reducing incoming solar radiation through atmospheric aerosols or mirrors, 'greening' large desert areas in North Africa and Australia by wide-scale tree planting, and three different ways to manipulate the ocean including ocean alkalinization.
"All of the methods have unintended side effects," the authors found, and are relatively ineffective--less than 8 percent--at reducing warming in comparison to the expected trajectory of CO2 emissions.
The afforestation technique, in fact, could make warming worse.
"The forests removed carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, but at the same time the earth's surface became darker and could store more heat," lead author Dr. David Keller explained.
Other problems could occur if a climate engineering method was stopped.
While they found that reduction of solar radiation could slow down warming significantly, if that measure were suddenly stopped after 50 years, for example, that could spark a several-degree global warming increase in just a few decades, and "This change would be much faster than the current rate of climate change, with potentially even more catastrophic consequences," said Keller.
In all their simulations, atmospheric CO2 "still reaches more than twice the current level by the end of the century," the authors write.
The best way to deal with climate change, the authors conclude, is to mitigate CO2 emissions
_____________________
We've had enough. The 1% own and operate the corporate media. They are doing everything they can to defend the status quo, squash dissent and protect the wealthy and the powerful. The Common Dreams media model is different. We cover the news that matters to the 99%. Our mission? To inform. To inspire. To ignite change for the common good. How? Nonprofit. Independent. Reader-supported. Free to read. Free to republish. Free to share. With no advertising. No paywalls. No selling of your data. Thousands of small donations fund our newsroom and allow us to continue publishing. Can you chip in? We can't do it without you. Thank you.