The Next Big Idea Daily Should We Turn Down the Sun?
6 snips
Apr 18, 2025 
Thomas Ramge, a science writer and author of 'Dimming the Sun', discusses the controversial topic of solar geoengineering as a potential response to climate change. He explores the idea of reflecting sunlight to cool the Earth, presenting it as a critical avenue amid rising temperatures. Ramge dives into the ethical dilemmas and risks associated with geoengineering, highlighting the need for international cooperation and effective governance to navigate this complex landscape responsibly.
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Climate Crisis Urgency
- Despite ongoing pledges and protests, global emissions and temperatures keep rising relentlessly.
- The Paris Agreement goals are effectively out of reach, indicating a need for new climate approaches.
Solar Geoengineering Potential
- Solar geoengineering provides a technology to slow Earth's warming by reflecting sunlight.
- It is a controversial, taboo topic but may be humanity's best shot to buy time against climate catastrophe.
Calls for Cautious Governance
- We must critically assess technologies by weighing their good and harm carefully before use.
- Solar geoengineering requires open research, governance, and international cooperation to avoid misuse.
