Global warming is considered one of the most likely causes of the destruction of life on Earth. Scientists are observing dramatic changes in the planet's climate and believe that rising temperatures will inevitably kill our planet. Recently, the problem has become so acute that researchers at Harvard University have proposed a very risky method of reflecting excessive solar heat from the Earth's surface. If it doesn't work, life could be destroyed much faster than previously thought.
Scientists are proposing to create a chemical barrier that will reflect solar heat. To do this, sulphate aerosols must be sprayed on the lower atmosphere. A problem immediately arises - there is still no plane in the world that could lift heavy capsules with the smallest solid particles to a height of 20 kilometers.
Researchers do not deny the possibility of creating such an apparatus. They believe that an airplane with a narrow body, disproportionately large wings and two additional engines can handle this. An aerosol spraying program, they estimate, could cost $ 3.5 billion, and maintenance costs - $ 2.25 billion. This amount can be afforded by many countries that already allocate $ 500 billion for other programs to protect environment. Hundreds of such aircraft can carry out 60,000 missions a year.
A chemical barrier can eliminate some of the symptoms of global warming, but it will not completely protect against it. The researchers believe that it is better not to stop the launched aerosol spraying program. If spraying stops, the rate of temperature increase on Earth may accelerate, and humanity will have little time to adapt to new conditions.
Of course, spraying large amounts of small particles into the atmosphere will change the appearance of the sky. In 2012, an article was published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters, which stated that sulfate aerosols can paint the sky white and make it five times brighter.
Ramis Ganiev