How does solar geo engineering work? How dangerous is it to block sunlight?

The idea of ​​solar geoengineering is not new. It was first mentioned by the US National Academy of Sciences in 1992.

Scientists have noticed that during volcanic eruptions, when the atmosphere is filled with sulfur dioxide (SO2), the Earth cools slightly. With this idea, the study of artificial methods for humans began.

So what is solar geoengineering? To understand this, imagine that you are giving a huge umbrella to the earth which blocks the heat of the sun. Scientists say that sun rays can be reflected by releasing small particles or gases into the air.

Or the radiation can be sent back into space by placing a large mirror-like structure in space. Its purpose is only to give some coolness to the earth so that problems like global warming and melting ice can be stopped.

There are many challenges and dangers associated with this effort. First of all, we don’t know whether it will completely work or not. Its effects are not entirely good. In 2022, Make Sunsets, a startup company in Mexico, sent two large balloons to test solar geoengineering using sulfur dioxide.

However, the Mexican government immediately banned this experiment, because it could have a negative impact on the atmosphere and health. Sulfur dioxide is a poisonous gas in itself. If it is kept in the air for a long time, the blue sky will stop being visible, respiratory diseases will increase and the ozone layer may be affected.

This layer works to protect from harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun. Impact on ozone can increase cancer and other serious health risks. According to scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, this technology can also increase natural problems like drought and famine.