Atmospheric aerosol injection, a proposed method of solar geoengineering, involves introducing small reflective particles into the stratosphere. This technique aims to reflect a small percentage of incoming sunlight back into space, thereby reducing the amount of solar radiation absorbed by the Earth and potentially mitigating some of the effects of global warming. An example of such particles includes sulfate aerosols, which are naturally released during volcanic eruptions and have been observed to cause temporary global cooling.
The potential benefits of this approach include a relatively rapid reduction in global temperatures, which could help to slow down the melting of ice caps and glaciers, reduce sea level rise, and alleviate the intensity of extreme weather events. Historically, scientific interest in solar geoengineering arose as a possible intervention strategy to complement ongoing efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that this is not a replacement for emissions reductions and should only be considered as a supplementary measure.
