Topic: Climate
Scientists used computer models to see if artificially brightening clouds in the Pacific could stop El Nino. They found it might work, but there are risks.
A team of scientists led by Jessica Wan from the University of Chicago wanted to know if they could interrupt the El Nino weather pattern. El Nino causes heat waves, floods, and droughts worldwide. The team used computer models to see what would happen if they artificially brightened clouds over a vast area in the Pacific Ocean.
They based their idea on a natural experiment that happened in Australia in 2019-2020. During the 'Black Summer' bushfires, smoke particles entered the clouds and made them brighter. This reflected more sunlight back into space and cooled the planet. The scientists wondered if they could achieve a similar effect using solar geoengineering.
They used a powerful forecasting model to see what would happen if they artificially brightened clouds in the Pacific during two El Nino events: 1997-1998 and 2015-16. They found that this intervention worked best when started early, in June, and continued through February. This could theoretically be done by using ships with nozzles that spray sea salt into the lower atmosphere.
The team's model showed that artificially brightening clouds over the Pacific could neutralize the El Nino weather pattern and blunt its worst impacts. However, there are risks. The technology is not yet ready, and it would take around 2,400 ships to make a significant impact. Even if this were possible, the models showed unintended consequences, including warming over Europe and Asia.
Why It Matters
El Nino causes loss of life and trillions of dollars in economic damage worldwide. If scientists can find a way to stop or weaken El Nino using cloud brightening, it could save lives and reduce economic losses.
Key Facts
- Scientists used computer models to see if artificially brightening clouds in the Pacific could stop El Nino.
- The team found that this intervention worked best when started early, in June, and continued through February.
- It would take around 2,400 ships to make a significant impact using this method.
- The technology is not yet ready for large-scale use.
- There are unintended consequences, including warming over Europe and Asia.
Key Terms
- El Nino
- A weather pattern that causes heat waves, floods, and droughts worldwide.
- Geoengineering
- The use of technology to manipulate the Earth's climate.
- Solar geoengineering
- Using solar radiation management techniques to cool the planet.
Implications
El Nino causes loss of life and trillions of dollars in economic damage worldwide. If scientists can find a way to stop or weaken El Nino using cloud brightening, it could save lives and reduce economic losses.
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