CAJ - The negative side-effects of spraying stratospheric sulphate aerosols

The negative side-effects of spraying stratospheric sulphate aerosols

In order for you to get to know all aspects of this geoengineering technique and understand why it is such a heated topic, I like to present even the possible side-effects that may occur with the realization of it. Some scientists say that this strategy to counter global warming could reduce the amount of electricity which is produced through solar power. However, David Keith, one of the leading scientists around geoengineering, does not find this argument convincing and he believes that the creation of electricity through solar energy can only be  negatively affected when solar geoengineering is being used very heavily. Most of the arguments are based on an analysis of the volcanic eruption of Mt. Pinatubo. Injecting sulphate aerosols, as what happened after the eruption, may reduce the total amount of water vapor in the atmosphere. Another fact attributed to the eruption and therefore can be seen as a side-effect of this geoengineering technique is the possibility of rough, widespread droughts. David Keith said that he has not seen a serious, direct analysis that supports this argument. Furthermore, this technique could alter weather patterns such as precipitation and increase acid rain. 

 

Another potential consequence of this technique is the increase in ozone depletion. The ozone hole over Antarctica is caused by a chemical reaction and introducing sulphate aerosols could increase the surface area on which these chemical reactions occur. As a consequence, the ozone hole would become larger and more ultraviolet radiation could reach the Earth.
One critical issue remains: Solar geoengineering does not reduce the danger of CO2 emissions. People/Countries/Cities/Companies would continue to live their lifestyles the way they have, creating too much CO2 emissions and thereby worsening global warming. Moreover, the spraying of sulphate particles does not solve the problem of ocean acidification which harms coral reefs and many other marine lives. 

However, studies that have been carried out have proved that crop yields could potentially increase in some regions, because plants grow more efficiently in diffuse light. Another interesting fact is that CO2 from the atmosphere could actually have a fertilising effect on crops. Isn't that fascinating?