Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Climate Change

Will “Crazy Technology” Thwart Climate Change?

Between automobile advertisements, ABC news reports on some far-out ideas to mitigate global climate change:

Crazy-sounding ideas for saving the planet are getting a serious look from top scientists, a sign of their fears about global warming and the desire for an insurance policy in case things get worse. How crazy?

There's the man-made "volcano" that shoots gigatons of sulfur high into the air. The space "sun shade" made of trillions of little reflectors between Earth and sun, slightly lowering the planet's temperature. The forest of ugly artificial "trees" that suck carbon dioxide out of the air. And the "Geritol solution" in which iron dust is dumped into the ocean.

Climate scientist Tom Wigley comments:

It's the lesser of two evils here (the other being doing nothing). Whatever we do, there are bad consequences, but you have to judge the relative badness of all the consequences. 

And it doesn't stop there. The Guardian reports on efforts by German
scientists to reduce the methane produced by cows:

According to scientific estimates, the methane gas produced by cows isresponsible for 4% of greenhouse gas emissions. And now, German scientists have invented a pill to cut bovine burping.

Photo: greenpeaceUK/Flickr

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

‘Travel Hack’: Port Authority Pushes Airport Driving to Avoid Its Pricey AirTrain Fare

Use this trick to undermine our own service, the Port Authority says.

November 25, 2024

The Year-End Appeal: Why We Ask for Help

Every year at this time, we take stock of our achievements over the previous 12 months ... and kindly beg for contributions. Thanks.

November 25, 2024

The Emissions Data GOP Pols Don’t Want Americans To See

Dozens of red states sued to stop the release of their state transportation emissions data. A new report gives a glimpse into what they were trying to hide.

November 25, 2024

Monday’s Headlines: This Culture War is Driving Us Mad Edition

Obviously, drivers will do anything to deflect the effect that all their driving causes. Plus other news.

November 25, 2024

DOT E-Bike Charging Pilot is a Success as City Plans More

"The goal should be to increase e-bike usage and to make sure battery charging and storage is done outside of dangerous areas," one charging advocate said.

November 25, 2024
See all posts