Climate Change Solutions Update

Category: Geoengineering

  • Environmental News Network – Could Geoengineering Work to Tamp Down Super El Niños?

    A study led by UC San Diego's Scripps Institution of Oceanography suggests that geoengineering methods like marine cloud brightening could potentially mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events such as a "super" El Niño. By drawing parallels between natural events like the Australian bushfires and weather-altering techniques, researchers indicate that smoke-brightened clouds may influence global weather patterns and impact El Niño events. The findings of the study point towards geoengineering as a viable solution for addressing the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. This research highlights the potential for innovative climate solutions to combat the challenges posed by climate change.

    https://www.enn.com/articles/78135-could-geoengineering-work-to-tamp-down-super-el-ninos

  • mCDR at Capitol Hill Ocean Week (CHOW)

    Ocean champions gathered in DC for Capitol Hill Ocean Week, focusing on ocean health, economy, science, and well-being of coastal communities, with a key topic being marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR). Discussions emphasized the need for intentional and responsible development of mCDR, learning from past mistakes and involving diverse voices in shaping the field. Policy solutions highlighted a bipartisan approach grounded in community input, with a focus on the cost of inaction in addressing climate challenges. The section also discussed the irreversible harm caused by greenhouse gas emissions and the necessity of science-driven climate solutions like mCDR, recognizing the potential of mCDR as a climate solution and the importance of community engagement in shaping its development. Additionally, the potential for carbon removal solutions to address past issues of racism and discrimination in conservation work was highlighted, with an emphasis on inclusive and diverse voices in decision-making processes and collaboration with project developers and policy makers for a more hopeful future.

    https://carbon180.org/blog/mcdr-at-capitol-hill-ocean-week-chow/

  • Solar geoengineering startup sets its own rules

    Stardust Solutions, a solar geoengineering startup, has released guidelines for projects aimed at limiting global warming by reflecting sunlight away from the Earth. Emphasizing the use of safe materials, scalable systems, and precise monitoring tools, the company has outlined guiding principles as a voluntary code of conduct for their policies and activities. Stardust is currently developing a proprietary sunlight-reflecting particle and systems to spray and monitor these particles above the Earth's surface. They have stated that the technology will only be allowed for use if deemed safe and necessary by a national government to prevent extreme warming.

    https://www.eenews.net/articles/solar-geoengineering-startup-sets-its-own-rules/

  • Testing the Waters Together: Launching The mCDR Forum

    The mCDR Forum has been launched to facilitate cross-sector discussions on marine carbon dioxide removal, addressing concerns about governance, environmental integrity, and equity. Led by Carbon180, Ocean Conservancy, and the Carbon Business Council, the forum aims to create a neutral space for diverse actors to share information, surface concerns, and explore responsible pathways forward in the mCDR field. By supporting dialogue and learning, collective insights can inform research priorities, governance frameworks, and funding decisions to advance responsible progress in addressing climate solutions. Interested individuals and organizations are encouraged to join the conversation by registering for the forum.

    https://carbon180.org/blog/testing-the-waters-together-launching-the-mcdr-forum/

  • Betting on climate failure, these investors could earn billions

    Solar geoengineering startups are receiving interest and support from deep-pocketed firms and corporations, which is crucial for the development of their planet-cooling systems. The urgency of the climate crisis is prompting more questions and discussions within the climate tech and venture community about solar geoengineering. This increased attention is shedding light on the potential of these startups to address the pressing need for climate solutions. Several space startups are exploring solar geoengineering solutions, such as building large sunlight deflectors and satellite mirrors to reflect sunlight away from the Earth. Companies like EarthGuard, Gama, Ethos Space, and Reflect Orbital are part of this effort, with some receiving funding from investors like Draper Associates and Possible Ventures. These initiatives aim to address the climate challenge by manipulating the amount of sunlight reaching the planet. The focus is on finding the most effective and sustainable solutions to combat rising global temperatures.

    https://www.eenews.net/articles/betting-on-climate-failure-these-investors-could-earn-billions/