SON OF HARRY HOPE
2006-09-19 23:33:00 UTC
BOULDER, Colo. (UPI) -- A U.S. computer model study suggests two
unusual methods, including injecting sulfates into the atmosphere,
might be used to stabilize the Earth's climate.
The National Center for Atmospheric Research model involves using
reductions in greenhouse gas emissions as well as injections of
climate-cooling sulfates into the stratosphere. Researcher Tom Wigley
says that might prove more effective than either approach used
separately.
Wigley's model calculates the impact of injecting sulfate particles,
or aerosols, every one to four years into the stratosphere in amounts
equal to those lofted by the volcanic eruption of Mount Pinatubo in
1991. It found that, if environmentally and technologically viable,
such injections could provide a "grace period" of up to 20 years
before major cutbacks in greenhouse gas emissions would be required,
he concludes.
He said his study doesn't endorse any particular approach to reducing
climate change, nor is it intended to address any technical and
political challenges involved in potential geoengineering efforts.
Instead, it analyzes whether the much-discussed idea of injecting
sulfates into the stratosphere could, in fact, slow global warming and
therefore provide more time for society to reduce the emissions of
carbon dioxide.
==================
"If you always put limit on everything you do, physical or anything
else. It will spread into your work and into your life.
There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay
there, you must go beyond them."
--Bruce Lee (1940-1965) Martial artist, actor
unusual methods, including injecting sulfates into the atmosphere,
might be used to stabilize the Earth's climate.
The National Center for Atmospheric Research model involves using
reductions in greenhouse gas emissions as well as injections of
climate-cooling sulfates into the stratosphere. Researcher Tom Wigley
says that might prove more effective than either approach used
separately.
Wigley's model calculates the impact of injecting sulfate particles,
or aerosols, every one to four years into the stratosphere in amounts
equal to those lofted by the volcanic eruption of Mount Pinatubo in
1991. It found that, if environmentally and technologically viable,
such injections could provide a "grace period" of up to 20 years
before major cutbacks in greenhouse gas emissions would be required,
he concludes.
He said his study doesn't endorse any particular approach to reducing
climate change, nor is it intended to address any technical and
political challenges involved in potential geoengineering efforts.
Instead, it analyzes whether the much-discussed idea of injecting
sulfates into the stratosphere could, in fact, slow global warming and
therefore provide more time for society to reduce the emissions of
carbon dioxide.
==================
"If you always put limit on everything you do, physical or anything
else. It will spread into your work and into your life.
There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay
there, you must go beyond them."
--Bruce Lee (1940-1965) Martial artist, actor