Can We Reverse Global Warming?
An insight into what is being done and what we can do to reverse global warming.
By Naviya Kamdar
Today, we have melting glaciers, blazing temperatures, storms, heatwaves and droughts that are worsening by the day. If we let global warming increase, our crop yields will be negatively impacted and numerous animals might get extinct. However, research suggests that we may be able to reverse global warming. The changes are coming faster than scientists predicted; therefore, we must be even faster to reverse the effects. It could take up to 1000 years for the Earth to heal entirely if we let nature work on its own. We have to catalyze this process.
Before anything else, we must first reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Anything we do without this is not going to make a difference. Using renewable resources is imperative. Consequently, our usage of fossil fuels will drastically decrease. Planting trees is another way of absorbing excess carbon dioxide from the air. However, even after doing this, the earth’s temperature could continue to climb, so we shouldn’t stop just here.
One way we can do so is by reflecting sunlight. This method requires us to install reflective surfaces in the orbit around the earth to limit the amount of energy that enters the Earth from the sun. In 2005, astrophysicist Gregory Benford proposed that we construct a concave lens and position it in a circle around the Earth so it diminishes the light hitting Earth from the sun. The lens would be 1,000 kilometres (621 miles) across and would expect engines to keep it turning in the correct arrangement with the Earth. That very year, another proposition recommended we make a ring of either reflective particles or spacecraft with reflective surfaces to obstruct some light from the sun. The proposition had a hefty price of $500 billion to $200 trillion, contingent upon the strategy. Several other scientists have come up with ways and methods that have a variation of the same. However, some scientists believe this is a short-term resolution.
Furthermore, we must find a solution to the things that contribute to global warming the most; the things that most of us do — driving cars. Switching from diesel cars to electric results in various environmental benefits. Electric vehicles are going to massively change the future. Electric vehicles that are powered by renewable energy sources are said to have 95% lower emissions. They might be very expensive now, but in time with more sales and infrastructure, that should change. In addition, a nonprofit called The Ray is aiming to alter a normal piece of road into the world’s first sustainable highway. The highway has solar charging stations wherein you can “fuel up” for free. PV panels are responsible for powering up the lights.
The Ray is even growing perennial wheat, called Kernza. The Ray is essentially growing food and sequestering carbon simultaneously.
Lastly, consciously implementing the 3Rs — reduce, reuse, and recycle — can also make a huge difference. Climate change can be increased or decreased depending on what is done on an individual level. In several countries paper, plastic, glass, and metal comprise more than 50 per cent of the household waste stream. They are all perfect candidates for recycling. When we recycle products, we use less energy and therefore produce lower emissions. The thought process that “ I am only one person doing this” only ends up negatively affecting what we are all working toward. Every step every individual takes makes a difference.
With more innovations of this kind being engineered, we might be able to reverse global warming after all. But, we must remember global warming cannot be eradicated overnight, we have to work hard and be resilient to see our desired results.
Works Cited
“10 Solutions to Reverse Global Warming.” Real Leaders, 8 July 2020, real-leaders.com/10-solutions-to-reverse-global-warming/.
Strickland, Jonathan. “What Would It Take to Reverse Global Warming?” HowStuffWorks Science, HowStuffWorks, 30 June 2020, science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/green-science/reverse-global-warming.htm.
Plumer, Brad. “What Impacts Will Global Warming Have in the Future?” Vox, Vox, 22 Oct. 2014, www.vox.com/2014/10/22/18093140/what-impacts-will-global-warming-have-in-the-future.
