Scientists propose releasing Moon dust to block sunlight temporarily and minimize global warming.

The Earth and Sun emerged 4.6 billion years ago; however, humans have altered the planet’s climate in only two centuries. Therefore, a group of scientists from the University of Utah (USA) proposed to release part of the Moon dust from space to block sunlight temporarily and minimize energy to reach the planet.

Thanks to its position and the gases that make up its atmosphere, the Earth keeps a special energetic balance. One part of the solar heat is absorbed and the other part tries to go back to space; it would be able to do so if it weren’t for the greenhouse gases. The burning of fossil fuels and other activities have multiplied the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere; they have reinforced the greenhouse effect.

Moon dust as a shield

Scientists admit that creating a Moon dust shield is not a definitive solution to climate change; however, it can buy some time. While they manage to solve the other part of the equation and learn to live without fuel, the moon shield is a good option.

In the last years, climate engineering or geoengineering has proposed several solutions to climate change. Several companies are developing climate engineering projects. For example, the Make Sunsets startup has pointed out that they are already releasing sulfur-reflective particles into the stratosphere with the aim of studying its climate change mitigation potential.

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) made a statement on the matter. They published a report requesting caution. On it, many experts stated that more research on the risks and benefits of solar geoengineering technologies is lacking. Therefore, their deployment still needs to be studied.

Additionally, they stress that this measure should not be considered a replacement for greenhouse gas emission minimization as it must continue to be a global priority.

Finally, the Universidad Internacional Iberoamericana (International Iberoamerican University) (UNIB) offers the Master in Environmental Management and Audits.

Source: ¿Vamos a minar la Luna? La última propuesta para frenar el cambio climático