New update from Project Save the World

Episode 621 Oceans and Spray: Climate Researchers Discuss Marine Cloud Brightening

Some of the most provocative discussions of climate that Project has hosted revolved around marine cloud brightening (MCB), a scientific innovation that reflects sunlight to cool the Earth.

Marine Cloud Brightening has sparked a wave of research and debate. In this fascinating discussion, three experts—Jessica Wan, Patricia Quinn, and Robert Tulip—explored both the potential and the risks of this geoengineering approach. (Excuse the expression! Some scientists try not to mention the word “geoengineering” because so many people react viscerally against it and end the conversation abruptly. But I assume that my readers are all open-minded, aren’t you? And some of you are climate scientists yourselves.)

What is Marine Cloud Brightening?

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At its core, marine cloud brightening is a proposed climate intervention that involves spraying seawater particles into the atmosphere to brighten clouds and increase their reflectivity. The idea is simple: white clouds reflect sunlight back into space, potentially cooling the planet and helping to mitigate global warming.

Jessica Wan, Patricia Quinn, and Robert Tulip

Jessica Wan, a PhD student studying marine cloud brightening, explained her work on modeling its effects in the Pacific Ocean. Through computer simulations, Jessica has modeled the regional impacts of MCB over areas such as California and the Aleutian Islands, showing that while it might offer short-term cooling effects, it could have unintended consequences in the long run—especially as the climate continues to warm.

The Challenges and Implications

Patricia Quinn, a senior researcher at NOAA, provided valuable insights into the complexities of atmospheric particulates and aerosols. She reminded us that while sulfates naturally occur in the atmosphere—emitted from phytoplankton and even from industrial sources like coal plants—the reduction of these particles apparently unintentionally contribute to global warming. This paradox, where efforts to clean up pollution might inadvertently exacerbate climate change, complicates the decision-making around geoengineering solutions like MCB.

One of the key insights from the conversation was the issue of teleconnections—the phenomenon where local interventions (like marine cloud brightening over the Pacific) can have far-reaching effects on other regions of the world. Jessica’s research revealed that cooling the ocean in one part of the world can influence temperatures on land far away, from North America to Europe. This is a reminder that climate is a global system, and any intervention must be studied and implemented with careful consideration of its global implications.

A Heated Debate: To Act or Not to Act?

The discussion also highlighted the deep divisions within the scientific community regarding the viability and ethical considerations of geoengineering. Robert Tulip, a climate repair advocate, underscored the urgency of finding solutions to slow down climate change, but raised critical governance concerns. If marine cloud brightening is ever to be deployed at scale, it will require global cooperation and oversight. The question remains: who gets to decide when and where these interventions happen? And what are the risks of unintended consequences?

Jessica’s findings suggest that MCB, while promising in certain contexts, might not be as effective in a warming world. By 2050, the same intervention might no longer deliver the cooling effects it promises today. This raises important questions about the role of geoengineering in climate strategy. Should we rush to experiment with MCB, or should we focus on understanding its risks in more detail before any real-world application?

Looking Forward: The Future of Marine Cloud Brightening

As the conversation drew to a close, there was a consensus that more research is needed. While the technology to implement marine cloud brightening at a large scale is now in its infancy, the discussion highlighted the urgency of continuing, and even expanding, such  experimentation. Patricia and Jessica agreed that small-scale studies are crucial in advancing our understanding of MCB’s potential benefits and risks.

The panelists mentioned two recent experiments. One is an ongoing, long-term application of MCB  to cool the waters and save the corals forming the Great Barrier Reef outside Australia. The local people, including indigenous groups, strongly support the measure.

On the other hand, there was a brief recent test in the San Francisco Bay, which spooked the local townspeople of Alameda into prohibiting it, though there would have been no possible harm in spraying a little more sea water into the air short period. As Robert pointed out, global cooperation and governance will be required to ensure that all geoengineering experiments are conducted responsibly.

The debate over MCB is just one part of the larger conversation about climate solutions. But it is an important one. The fact that small-scale interventions could have large-scale impacts underscores the complexity of managing climate change in a way that benefits everyone. It also reminds us that as we seek to mitigate climate risks, we must remain vigilant, recognizing the interconnectedness of our planet’s systems as well as the rapid approach of probable catastrophic climate change.

Conclusion: A Critical Moment in Climate Research

This conversation is an important contribution to the ongoing discourse on geoengineering and climate intervention. While marine cloud brightening offers exciting possibilities, its implementation is far from straightforward. The global implications of any climate intervention, particularly those that are based on geoengineering, should ordinarily proceed through prolonged phases of deep research. The question is: should scientists slow down and approach research cautiously, or is the global climate warming so fast that some interventions should be deployed as rapidly as possible, though if harmful effects arise, it may be necessary to stop suddenly?

For now, the debate continues. This conversation is far from over, and it will be critical to shaping the future of our planet.

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The post Episode 621 Oceans and Spray: Climate Researchers Discuss Marine Cloud Brightening appeared first on Good News!.

NEW YORK (October 7, 2021) – Wonderama wants you to “add some meaning to your Halloween-ing” and is proud to present the “Biggest Halloween Parade in History,” taking place in New York City’s Times Square celebrating Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF on October 30, 2021 to be broadcast live at 7:00PM EDT. When we say, “big,” we mean it; this parade is 10 stories high! On Halloween Eve, Wonderama will broadcast a parade with 50 hometown Grand Marshals, music, entertainment and more featured virtually on the most recognized billboard in the world at One Times Square, New York City.

Selected Grand Marshals will be showcased as representatives of their hometowns on the bigger-than-life board in Times Square during the broadcast in their Halloween costume, representing their communities all over the world

“This year, Halloween means more than ever and Wonderama and UNICEF USA want communities to ‘add meaning to their Halloween-ing’ by helping to end the global COVID-19 pandemic through Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF,” shares Wonderama CEO Charles E. Armstrong.

Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF provides a way for families, schools and all who love Halloween to support communities around the world by raising funds and safely celebrating. This year, funds raised will support UNICEF’s lifesaving work to get COVID-19 vaccines where they are needed most – for communities, healthcare workers and families.

“We are pleased to share in the holiday spirit and celebrate Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF with Wonderama in Times Square this year,” said UNICEF USA President & CEO, Michael J. Nyenhuis. “Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF is America’s longest running youth engagement campaign and as this beloved tradition evolves into a fully digital experience, we are excited for all to participate and support our lifesaving work to distribute COVID-19 vaccines where they are needed most.”

Throughout October, everyone can participate by virtually starting their own fundraiser or donating to support UNICEF’s efforts by visiting www.trickortreatforunicef.org/join. Spread the word on social media by using the hashtag #TOT4UNICEF.

To learn more about the parade, visit www.wonderamatv.com use the hashtag #WonderParade.

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About Wonderama

Wonderama is an award-winning family series known for showcasing kids and their amazing talents. It is a legacy media brand, with a 40+ year history in entertaining kids. Designed to entertain, educate and engage kids and families across multiple platforms through original content, Wonderama blends music performances, science experiments, cooking demos, games, and much more in each entertaining episode. For more Wonderama, visit the wonderamaTV.com, the show’s YouTube Channel, Amazon Prime or check local listings.

About UNICEF USA
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) works in more than 190 countries and territories to pursue a more equitable world for every child. UNICEF has helped save more children’s lives than any other humanitarian organization, by providing health care and immunizations, safe water and sanitation, nutrition, education, emergency relief and more. UNICEF USA advances the global mission of UNICEF by rallying the American public to support the world’s most vulnerable children. Together, we are working toward a world that upholds the rights of all children and helps every child thrive. For more information, visit www.unicefusa.org.

Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF began in 1950 when children across the United States collected coins in hand-painted milk cartons to help children affected by World War II. Historically, children have gone door to door on Halloween with the signature orange collection boxes, calling out, “Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF!” Originally a grassroots campaign, Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF has now evolved into a month-long celebration of Halloween and giving back. Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF is the longest-running youth engagement campaign in America. Since its inception, the annual fundraising campaign has raised over $180 million to help UNICEF support children with health care, nutrition, safe water, education, emergency relief and more. To learn more and get involved, visit www.trickortreatforunicef.org/join.

For more information, please contact:

Zuhirah Khaldun-Duiarra, UNICEF USA, 347 824 3477, nmcosta@unicefusa.org

Eileen Shapiro, Wonderama, 631.506.6600, rockstarjournalist33@gmail.com

Errol Rappaport
Good Will Ambassador
Wonderamatv
www.wonderamatv.com
310-780-1170

#care #children #foundation #halloween #health #non-profit #nutrition #safe #show #unicef #working #trick #treat #wonderama #parade #kids #education #water #support #help #charles #armstrong #david #osmond #michael #michaels #nyenhuis

The post Wonderama and Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF in Times Square on October 30th for the Biggest Halloween Parade in History appeared first on Good News!.

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