Revealed: The Shocking Truth Behind Global Efforts to Block the Sun and the Potential Catastrophic Outcomes

The Urgency of Addressing Climate Change

Global efforts to cut down greenhouse gas emissions are struggling, and the planet is heating up. Despite targets set in the 2015 Paris Agreement, the world may surpass the 1.5 degrees Celsius limit by 2040. A rise of 3 to 4 degrees Celsius by 2100 would be disastrous.

In light of this, unconventional ideas like solar geoengineering are gaining traction. This method aims to cool the Earth by shading it. Reports from key policy players have started to consider it as a stopgap until we can reduce atmospheric greenhouse gases.

A California startup, Make Sunsets, has already tested the waters by launching balloons filled with sulfate particles into the atmosphere. This method, known as stratospheric aerosol injection (SAI), promises a cheap and straightforward way to cool the planet.

However, SAI remains highly controversial. Public opposition has canceled several planned experiments, and international bodies like the UN have rejected proposals to study it further.

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The Perils of Unilateral Action

SAI could disrupt global weather patterns, leading to unpredictable consequences such as severe droughts and monsoon shifts. This could jeopardize food security and habitability in various regions.

The lack of international law and global governance on SAI means that individual countries or even non-state actors could undertake unilateral actions. This could trigger armed conflicts, as nations might use military force to prevent what they perceive as dangerous climate tampering.

To avoid such scenarios, the world needs to establish stronger rules to govern SAI. This doesn’t mean banning research or deployment but ensuring that any initiatives are collectively governed.

Key steps for governance include:

• Broad information sharing on SAI research
• International decision-making for authorizing SAI deployment
• Monitoring and verification mechanisms

Geopolitical Risks and National Security

Unilateral SAI efforts could lead to geopolitical strife and even warfare. States may view climate interventions as threats to their national security, justifying military responses.

International law currently offers limited constraints. The use of force is prohibited unless authorized by the UN Security Council or in self-defense, but deep divisions among the permanent members make consensus unlikely.

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Some countries have pushed for an expanded interpretation of self-defense to include new threats like cyberattacks and weapons of mass destruction. Unilateral SAI could be added to this list.

A robust set of international rules and governance structures is crucial to regulate and constrain SAI efforts, ensuring they are not undertaken unilaterally.

Creating a Multilateral Treaty

Preventing unilateral SAI initiatives requires a new multilateral treaty that prohibits unauthorized deployment and establishes a collective decision-making process.

This treaty should be truly multilateral, providing fair representation for countries most vulnerable to climate change. It should also prevent non-state actors from engaging in SAI efforts.

Existing international institutions like the Montreal Protocol or the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change could serve as forums for negotiating such an agreement quickly. These bodies have the infrastructure and experience needed to tackle this complex issue.

As the climate crisis worsens, the temptation to use solar geoengineering will grow. Establishing clear rules and decision-making processes now could prevent future conflicts and ensure any geoengineering efforts are conducted responsibly.

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