Global Warming: Scientists suggest 'controversial' plan to re-freeze Earth's poles. Details here

In what might seem like a last-ditch effort to save the melting icecaps and tackle global warming, scientists have suggested a mammoth and controversial solution. According to them, high-flying jets can be used to spray the upper layers of the atmosphere with microscopic aerosol particles. This would reflect the sunlight and allow the icecaps to cool and refreeze.

What is the suggested plan?
As per the detailed plan, 125 military jets with air-to-air fuelling tankers would be needed to release a microscopic cloud of sulphur dioxide. The altitude would be 43,000 feet, and the latitude needed is 60 degrees in both hemispheres. 13 tonnes of particles released in summer and spring would cool the Earth's poles by 2 degrees Celsius.

An ex-scientist from the UK stated that this plan would refreeze the Earth's poles and check the rising sea levels globally.


Wake Smith, the scientist leading the study, stated that the suggestion would merely treat one of the symptoms of climate change.

It would not give an effective remedy for the cause.




Why is the plan controversial?
A large number of flights would be required for the plan to work. They would release greenhouse gases into the upper layers of the atmosphere, where such gases are highly damaging.
Solar shading can reduce crop yields.
Such a large-scale programme would require an international agreement, which is challenging.

What's the debate?
Researchers and scientists argue that the plan targets the Earth's poles, where only 1 per cent of the population lives. Moreover, the cost is expected to be £1 billion, far less than the other modes of responding to climate change.

Scientists believe that efforts are needed to address the melting ice caps as it would benefit all of humanity.




FAQs

Who is leading the research?
The research is being led by Wake Smith, a researcher from Yale University in America.

When would the plan be operational?
No date has been decided. The plan is still in its development stage and has not yet been finalized.

What are the earth's poles?
The Earth's poles comprise the Arctic and Antarctic regions.