Geoengineering- Can the ecohackers save us?
Geoengineering or ‘echohacking’ means using scientific means to change the environment on a large scale. This is not a new science but it has resurfaced in recent years. Ideas have been put forward of pumping sulphur into the atmosphere, much like a volcanic eruption in order to lower global temperature. Or to put light refractors between the Earth and the Sun which would theoretically control climate change by diverting the sun’s rays and dialling it up or down on demand. However, these interventions may have unexpected physical outcomes, like a reduction of precipitation as well as temperature in the sulphur scenario and may create a powerful tool, much too easily abused by humans. Ultimately, acting pro actively by reducing our carbon dioxide emissions is a simpler and less risky solution.