Two Harvard professors say they are developing an experiment that would release a small quantity of sulfate particles into the atmosphere to see how well they combine with water vapor to reflect some of the sun’s rays back into space. Physicist David G. Keith and atmospheric chemist James G. Anderson  are proposing that the experiment be done using a balloon launched from a NASA facility in New Mexico. The researchers said they would inject “micro” amounts of sulfate particles into the atmosphere and that there was no chance they would affect climate, either locally or globally. The men vehemently denied a report in the Guardian that they were planning to inject tens or hundreds of pounds of sulfate particles into the atmosphere. Keith, a leading scientist in the controversial field of geoengineering the planet’s climate to counter global warming, said the experiment was designed to measure the impact of releases of sulfate particles, including the possibility that they would interact with chlorine and harm the earth’s ozone layer. Keith said outdoor geoengineering experiments should be conducted only with public funds and after a thorough public review.
Two Geoengineering Experts Preparing Small Experiment with Sulfates
More From E360
-
Energy
Why U.S. Geothermal May Advance, Despite Political Headwinds
-
Food & Agriculture
In War Zones, a Race to Save Key Seeds Needed to Feed the World
-
Climate
Lightning Strikes the Arctic: What Will It Mean for the Far North?
-
RIVERS
A Win for Farmers and Tribes Brings New Hope to the Klamath
-
Solutions
Deconstructing Buildings: The Quest for New Life for Old Wood
-
NATURAL DEFENSES
How Restored Wetlands Can Protect Europe from Russian Invasion
-
Solutions
Birds vs. Wind Turbines: New Research Aims to Prevent Deaths
-
FORESTS
Cambodian Forest Defenders at Risk for Exposing Illegal Logging
-
OPINION
The ‘Green’ Aviation Fuel That Would Increase Carbon Emissions
-
CONSERVATION
Out of the Wild: How A.I. Is Transforming Conservation Science
-
Energy
China’s Mega Dam Project Poses Big Risks for Asia’s Grand Canyon
-
Solutions
How Natural Solutions Can Help Islands Survive Sea Level Rise