Actions we can take

Big projects

Scientists have been investigating some big ways of tackling climate change. Sometimes known as geoengineering, these could be huge projects costing many millions of pounds. Ideas put forward so far include:

Arrays of giant mirrors in space to reflect back incoming sunlight

Creating shiny clouds from seawater that cover huge areas

Fertilising the oceans to encourage the growth of microscopic green plants - phytoplankton - that photosynthesise

Creation of millions of artificial trees with CO₂ absorbing leaves

Even filling the upper atmosphere with layer of suphur dioxide to act as a sunscreen has been suggested though this has led to serious concern about increases in acid rain.

next Carbon offsetting

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NOT RATED kimberley stephen 24-06-13 14:27

it is very interesting it has a lot of facts

ETHICAL ISSUES INVOLVED

Is it worth the risk?

Do we know enough about how the atmosphere works to be able to try and alter it? Listen to this
BBC debate about the risks involved.

There has been very little research on geoengineering; and its potential benefits and risks, including unintended consequences, are poorly understood.
Met Office 2009