A study with the participation of the Institute of Geosciences (IGEO, UCM-CSIC), dependent on the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities (MICIU), explores the use of mineral dust as an additional measure to combat climate change.
The work, led by the Federal Polytechnic School of Zurich (ETH-Zurich) and published in the journal ‘Geophysical Research Letters’, suggests that Injecting diamond and calcite particles into the stratosphere could help reflect the Sun’s rays back into space and thus reduce global warmingas reported by the CSIC.
Experts point out that this strategy would not be a definitive solution to climate change and highlight the need to continue research to evaluate its economic viability and possible risks.
The study has combined climate modeling and laboratory measurements to examine how the optical properties of diamond and other minerals such as calcite (CaCO3) could be harnessed as a climate intervention strategy to increase the reflection of solar radiation.
Stratospheric aerosol injection (SAI) has the aim to replicate the effects of volcanic eruptionswhich have been shown to temporarily cool the planet’s climate. The researchers used a state-of-the-art climate model to simulate the effects of the injection and dispersion of ultrafine dust (150-300 nanometers) of different materials in the upper layers of the atmosphere.
According to Gabriel Chiodo, scientist at IGEO-UCM-CSIC and co-author of the study, the climate model used is capable of simulating microphysical interactions between solid particles. This innovative approach makes it possible to predict how These dusts would affect the energy balance of the global climate and the planet.
Until now, the most contemplated method in aerosol injection strategies into the stratosphere has been the dispersion of sulfur dioxide (SO2) to increase the layer of stratospheric aerosols and the reflection of solar radiation, and thus cool the Earth.
However, this study raises a alternative method by emitting ultrafine particles from other materials. “The results indicate that diamond dust could be significantly more effective than other aerosols previously proposed for solar geoengineering, such as sulfuric acid aerosols,” says Sandro Vattioni, researcher at ETH-Zurich and lead author of the study.
The high reflectivity for sunlight and low chemical reactivity of diamonds in stratospheric environmental conditions would make them ideal candidates for this purpose.
According to Gabriel Chiodo, “the great advantage of these materials is that they almost They do not absorb infrared radiation and, in this way, they would not warm the stratosphere.” “Therefore, they would not lead to the alterations in stratospheric circulation and other secondary effects (such as increased concentrations of water vapor in the stratosphere) that are expected with the most common method of geoengineering, sulfuric acid aerosols,” he adds.
The results indicate that diamond dust could be more effective than other proposed sprays. However, uncertainties remain about its practical feasibility, especially in terms of preventing particles from sticking to each other. This adhesion would reduce its reflective capacity and accelerate its sedimentation, thus reducing its effectiveness in cooling the climate.
The study estimates that dispersing approximately one million tons of diamond dust per year could partially counteract global warming. However, the associated costs raise doubts about its economic viability, as they could exceed billions of euros.
The researchers emphasize that this technique does not address the root causes of global warming. “Climate intervention with diamond dust could buy time, but it is not a definitive solution,” says Chiodo.
The study also highlights the possible risks and side effects of diamond dispersal in the atmosphere, including changes in precipitation patterns. Therefore, the authors invite the scientific community to conduct more research on these aspects before considering any large-scale implementation.
This pioneering work, in which the IGEO-UCM-CSIC has contributed, opens new avenues for research in climate geoengineering. Scientists insist that it is crucial to continue exploring innovative solutions while prioritizing the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the transition to sustainable energy sources.
#Scientist #Gabriel #Chiodo #CSIC #Climate #intervention #diamond #dust #buy #time
