Today you need not be wise to be aware of the threat posed by climate change for Earth. With the loss of balance in all systems, the allocation could lead to irreparable catastrophe whose consequences cannot be measured. That’s why in science increasingly showing up proposals to address this phenomenon, including the use of aerosols to cool our planet. Therefore, it is inevitable to ask if aerosols are really useful to counteract climate change.
What are aerosols?
The aerosols are particles that are part of the atmosphere, and although its size is very small and can float in the air, have the ability to impact global climate. Some are part of the natural environment (come from volcanoes, oceans, etc.), but others are caused by the contamination (human burning of fossil fuels like coal and oil, sachets, etc.). These particles are harmful to our breath, but at the same time, they can counter climate change. Satellite results confirm that, in effect, block sunlight, which dampens the effects of global warming. The process occurs differently in each type of aerosol. For example, those from sea salt reflect sunlight back into space, however, the carbon particles originating from the burning of fossil fuels have the ability to absorb these rays.
Aerosols and clouds
Aerosols play a role in the formation of clouds, a phenomenon which, as we know, affects the Earth’s climate. For each of the water droplets that form is required to condense the existence of an aerosol. And the clouds reflect sunlight back into space. This issue is still subject to research in the scientific world, as it seems that the process behaves differently depending on the type of cloud in question.
Proposal to use aerosols on climate change
Some scientists believe that, given its ability to cool, sprays should be used as a weapon against climate change. The idea is to inject the atmosphere with these particles, to form the blocking sunlight and reduce global temperatures. Studies suggest that about the most effective way would be to use the volcanic eruptions of lesser intensity and increase their use as the monsoon weather, so they reached the atmosphere.
How useful are the aerosols?
While it is true that aerosols have cooling properties and reflect solar radiation, the general scientific opinion is that should not be used as weapons against climate change, not only because they are harmful to human health, but because it is unknown how much particles to be injected into the atmosphere, and what its effects. Minimal error was committed, the planet could re-enter, for example, in another ice age. In summary, it appears that aerosols are inevitably part of the puzzle, however, experts have much to investigate to make models to predict as accurately as possible how these will be used in the battle against climate change. Undoubtedly aerosols may be useful, just that the answers on how to implement them are still under way. Once again we must wait and hope, as always in science.