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

CLARION CALL: Straphangers Demand Better Bus Service

Last week's historic 34th Street bus challenge — in which Team Pedestrian once again trounced the M34 — reiterated the age old question: Where is the damn bus and why don't our elected officials care?

August 19, 2025

OPINION: What Do You Call a Cyclist Who’s Been Hit By an E-Biker?

Much as our contributor hates to admit it, she thinks twice every time she gets on her bike since being hit by an e-bike.

August 19, 2025

Four Policies Progressives Are Backing for the Next Big Transportation Bill

Progressives (like Ed Markey above) are refusing to water down their ambitions in the face of a deeply divided Washington.

August 19, 2025

Tuesday’s Headlines: No Surprise Edition

There's no more free lunch — for car owners — on about a dozen blocks on the Upper West Side. Plus other news.

August 19, 2025

The ‘Disconnect’: City Traffic Cops Ignore Severe Parking Scofflaws

The NYPD's Traffic Enforcement Agents don't check the city towing database, which means thousands of drivers keep on driving.

August 18, 2025
See all posts