Scientists propose dimming Sun to curb climate change? New study says it’s dangerous

Climate change is wreaking havoc through severe weather patterns, including wildfires, heatwaves, droughts and floods being observed across the globe resulting in loss of life and inflicting economic damage worth billions of dollars.

Amid the worsening effects, scientists have proposed a “science-fiction” worthy idea to dim the sun through a process called “stratospheric aerosol injection” (SAI) and reduce global warming.

SAI is the process of releasing small particles into the stratosphere using jets to reflect sunlight away from the Earth. The proponents of this idea believe that it’ll help cool the planet, reduce global warming, stop the glacier melt and save the planet from a potential climate catastrophe.

However, experts have warned that this “far-fetched” idea is not a viable solution and can cause more harm than good to Earth. 

A recent study by scientists at the Columbia Climate School in New York revealed that utilizing this technique to cool the planet could lead to an increase in severe weather patterns.

The study states that SAI will result in worse floods, freezing cold snaps and even acid rains.

Researchers state that the proponents of SAI underestimate the consequences of interfering with Earth’s natural systems and geo-engineering at such a scale is complicated.

The study states the release of sulfur dioxide (SO2) over polar regions will affect tropical monsoon systems and can have a serious effect on sea levels as well.

The study, published in the Scientific Reports, states that SAI remains an unlikely solution to the problem of climate change and global warming.