IPCC 'considering sending mirrors to space to tackle climate change'
Reflective aerosols would be sent into space under a series of radical “geo-engineering” measures being considered by the UN climate science body to tackle climate change, leaked documents disclose.
10:30AM BST 16 Jun 2011
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) papers, leaked ahead of a key meeting in Peru next week, outline the series of techniques in which scientists hope will manipulate the world’s climate to reduce carbon emissions.
Among the ideas proposed by a group of 60 leading scientists from around the world, including Britain, include producing “lighter coloured” crops to reflect sunlight, blasting aerosol “mirrors” into the stratosphere and suppressing cirus clouds.
Other suggestions include spraying sea water into clouds as another reflection mechanism, depositing massive quantities of iron filings into the oceans, painting streets and roofs white and adding lime to oceans.
Experts suggested that the documents, leaked from inside the IPPC to The Guardian, show how the UN and other developed countries are “despairing” about reaching agreement by consensus at the global climate change talks.
But the newspaper reported that scientists admit that even if the ideas theoretically work, they could cause irreversible consequences.
Many of the scientists also accept there are major uncertainties surrounding the technologies.
Britain has backed a series of research projects with millions of pounds, including one being operated by Bristol University to develop a "hose" held up by balloons, in which sulphates can be sent into the stratosphere.
The Royal Society is also reportedly also attempting to develop international guidelines and principles around the topic.
Next week’s meeting in Peru is expected to provide governments with a scientific assessment of geo-engineering technologies.
It is also widely expected to back proposals to fund more research, and even large-scale experimentation.
The disclosures comes as scientists warn that coral reefs around the world could be teetering on the brink of extinction by the end of the century as the oceans become more acidic
New evidence from volcanic seeps - fissures in the ocean floor that leak gases and minerals - suggests a bleak future for the reefs that harbour the world's richest marine ecosystems.
The latest IPCC forecasts predicts that rising concentrations of CO2 will reduce worldwide ocean pH from its present level of 8.1 to 7.8.
A spokesman for the IPCC was unavailable for comment.
