4 ms·

> The effects are well understood. Are they all understood? Sure, it seems like a rational suggestion, and we know that if we add it to the atmosphere it shou

> The effects are well understood. Are they all understood? Sure, it seems like a rational suggestion, and we know that if we add it to the atmosphere it should cool, but what other effects will it cause? How many times have we tried this trick where we introduce something new to an environment and it doesn't turn out like we'd like it to? Feels like we're hoping to apply a band-aid but not deal with the wound.

luma 3y ago
Cool, then what practical solution do you propose? Wait around while things get worse?
- SketchySeaBeast 3y ago
  Well, that's not much of a rebuttal of concerns, and as I'm not in the field I don't have suggestions.
BurningFrog 3y ago
First of all, the SO2 goes into the stratosphere, not the atmosphere. We know a lot about it because volcanoes do this occasionally. Temperatures cool down for about 2 years, which is how long it takes for the S02 to break down.
- SketchySeaBeast 3y ago
  > First of all, the SO2 goes into the stratosphere, not the atmosphere. Considering that the stratosphere is part of the atmosphere, that's both pedantic and incorrect. > We know a lot about it because volcanoes do this occasionally. Temperatures cool down for about 2 years, which is how long it takes for the S02 to break down. Volcano's don't pump pure SO2. Yes, the science may be entirely valid, and it's not for me decide, but I think it warrants heavy consideration before we try to solve problems we're creating due to adding excess by adding additional excess.
  - BurningFrog 3y ago
    The distinction is important because at lower altitudes SO2 produces acid rain. But the stratosphere is far above the rain clouds. NASA report on the Mount Pinatubo caused global cooling: https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/1510/global-effects-of-mount-pinatubo https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/1510/global-effects...
    - SketchySeaBeast 3y ago
      Clarifying what part of the atmosphere is important, sure, to say it's not in the atmosphere and instead in the stratosphere is absolutely wrong. Doesn't SO2 sink in air? Because we'll need to be constantly adding it to the atmosphere aren't we going to end up with acid rain as it falls to the ground?
      - BurningFrog 3y ago
        My impression is that there is some leakage, but very small compared to the acid rain problems of the past. Either way, if acid rain is the price for controlling global warming, I think that is a very desirable trade-off!

luma 3y ago

Cool, then what practical solution do you propose? Wait around while things get worse?

SketchySeaBeast 3y ago
Well, that's not much of a rebuttal of concerns, and as I'm not in the field I don't have suggestions.

BurningFrog 3y ago

First of all, the SO2 goes into the stratosphere, not the atmosphere. We know a lot about it because volcanoes do this occasionally. Temperatures cool down for about 2 years, which is how long it takes for the S02 to break down.

SketchySeaBeast 3y ago
> First of all, the SO2 goes into the stratosphere, not the atmosphere. Considering that the stratosphere is part of the atmosphere, that's both pedantic and incorrect. > We know a lot about it because volcanoes do this occasionally. Temperatures cool down for about 2 years, which is how long it takes for the S02 to break down. Volcano's don't pump pure SO2. Yes, the science may be entirely valid, and it's not for me decide, but I think it warrants heavy consideration before we try to solve problems we're creating due to adding excess by adding additional excess.
- BurningFrog 3y ago
  The distinction is important because at lower altitudes SO2 produces acid rain. But the stratosphere is far above the rain clouds. NASA report on the Mount Pinatubo caused global cooling: https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/1510/global-effects-of-mount-pinatubo https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/1510/global-effects...
  - SketchySeaBeast 3y ago
    Clarifying what part of the atmosphere is important, sure, to say it's not in the atmosphere and instead in the stratosphere is absolutely wrong. Doesn't SO2 sink in air? Because we'll need to be constantly adding it to the atmosphere aren't we going to end up with acid rain as it falls to the ground?
    - BurningFrog 3y ago
      My impression is that there is some leakage, but very small compared to the acid rain problems of the past. Either way, if acid rain is the price for controlling global warming, I think that is a very desirable trade-off!