Scientists have proposed a geoengineering scheme to combat climate change by sprinkling diamond dust into the stratosphere. The plan, known as stratospheric aerosol injection, could cool the planet by 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit and offset almost all of human-caused warming since the industrial revolution.
The research suggests that injecting 5.5 million tons of diamond dust into the atmosphere annually would be enough to mitigate global warming. However, the plan is not without controversy due to its high cost: estimated at $175 trillion over 65 years.
Experts warn that there are several potential drawbacks to this scheme, including disruptions to global precipitation patterns and circulation. Diamonds, however, have been found to be an efficient and effective material for stratospheric injection.
A study published in Environmental Research: Climate confirmed that diamond particles would cause minimal disruption compared to other materials like aluminum and calcite. While the cost of diamonds is significantly higher than other options, researchers argue that this technology could “buy us some time” until we reach net-zero carbon emissions.
Geoengineering strategies are not a long-term solution to climate change but rather a potential tool to mitigate risks. The research highlights the importance of exploring alternative solutions while also acknowledging the need for urgent action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Source: https://www.livescience.com/planet-earth/climate-change/scientists-say-sprinkling-diamond-dust-into-the-sky-could-offset-almost-all-of-climate-change-so-far-but-itll-cost-usd175-trillion