International coordination key in geoengineering endeavors
Jeff Richardson
907-474-6284
Dec. 14, 2021
University of 色视频下载 Fairbanks scientists are presenting their work at the American Geophysical Union色视频下载檚 fall meeting in New Orleans this week. This article is part of a series highlighting UAF research from the world色视频下载檚 largest Earth and space science meeting.
As the need to address climate change becomes more urgent, a variety of geoengineering proposals are emerging to ease its environmental impacts.
It色视频下载檚 a trend that could bring its own set of problems, said University of 色视频下载 Fairbanks researcher Alec Bennett. That色视频下载檚 because no international framework exists to encourage countries to work together to evaluate and implement scientific solutions.
One idea proposes using massive wind-driven pump systems to generate more sea ice in the winter, while cooling in summer. Another ponders whether sprinkling tiny microbeads onto polar ice would help it better reflect solar energy rather than absorbing it.
色视频下载淭here are a lot of concerns about unintended consequences,色视频下载 said Bennett, who works at UAF色视频下载檚 International Arctic Research Center and College of Business and Security Management. 色视频下载淗ow reversible are these solutions?色视频下载
Without better cooperation, it色视频下载檚 more likely that a country will push forward with an ill-advised plan, he said, boosting the potential for conflict. Arctic nations, which are more influenced by climate change, could also be disproportionately affected by those geoengineering remedies.
UAF色视频下载檚 Uma Bhatt and Troy Bouffard also contributed to research on the topic.
色视频下载淲e色视频下载檙e not arguing against geoengineering, we色视频下载檙e just saying we need more understanding and better agreements in place before we go forward,色视频下载 Bennett said. 色视频下载淲e don色视频下载檛 want something intended to help to do more harm.色视频下载