Diamond Dust: A $200 Trillion Climate Hack to Cool the Planet?
A new study published in Geophysical Research Letters proposes a radicalsolution to climate change: scattering diamond dust into the atmosphere. While the idea might sound like something out of a science fiction novel, researchers are taking this solardimming approach seriously as a potential, albeit extreme, tool to combat global warming.
The premise hinges on stratospheric aerosol injection, a method that involves releasing massive amounts oftiny particles into the upper atmosphere. These particles reflect sunlight back into space before it reaches the Earth’s surface, effectively cooling the planet. The study suggests that annually scattering around 5 million tons of pulverized diamond dust could lower global temperatures bynearly 2.9 degrees Fahrenheit.
To achieve this ambitious goal, a staggering $200 trillion investment over 45 years would be required to reach the desired effect – keeping global warming below the critical threshold of 2.7°C (4.9°F). Beyond this point, the risk of catastrophic climate change becomes uncontrollable.
As reported by Science, researchers used complex computer modeling to test diamond dust against six other candidate aerosol particles, including sulfur. They considered factors such as the particles’ dispersal, longevity in the atmosphere, andresilience to factors like acid rain.
Surprisingly, diamond powder emerged as a top contender due to its even distribution, lack of clumping, and ability to persist for a significant duration. Sulfur, a more practical option currently considered, is more prone to clumping.
However, the prospect of dumping vast quantities of aerosols into the skyis not without risks and potential side effects, requiring careful study. Moreover, the exorbitant cost presents a significant economic barrier.
Douglas MacMartin, a climate science engineer at Cornell University, told Science, If you asked me today what would be deployed, it would be sulfates. Volcanic sulfur pollution gives us real-worldcases to study, and as a gas, it’s easier to spread from airplanes than diamond particles.
Furthermore, the cost is significantly lower. Another study estimated that synthetic diamonds would cost around $500,000 per ton, a staggering 2400 times more expensive than sulfur.
While the idea of using diamond dust to cool the planet is intriguing, it remains a highly speculative and potentially risky approach. Further research and careful consideration of the potential consequences are crucial before even contemplating such a drastic measure.
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