BOOK EXPLORES USE OF TECHNOLOGY TO REVERSE GLOBAL WARMING
Baku, August 13 (AZERTAC). There are efforts worldwide to control the release of harmful greenhouse gases into the atmosphere to stop global warming. Some experts are now considering the idea of saving the planet through so-called "geoengineering." The controversial idea is the subject of a new book called How to Cool the Planet.
Jeff Goodell thinks geoengineering is a somewhat crazy idea. But he writes in his book that after the failure of last year`s Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, the technological approach may end up being the world`s only option.
He argues there are two ways geoengineering might solve the global warming problem: One would be to use technology to remove carbon from the atmosphere; the other would be to block sunlight. Goodell says the latter idea offers the most promise. It would basically involve technologies that mimic what large volcanic eruptions do, put into the stratosphere particles that reflect sunlight back into space.
Most environmentalists are appalled by such proposals to play with nature, but Goodell says humankind is already manipulating the climate, but not in a rational or beneficial manner.
In “How to Cool the Planet”, Goodell examines some of the ideas proposed by scientists who are researching geoengineering. He says it is only a matter of time before someone tries to do it.
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