The frequency and intensity of weather patterns has been on the radar of many scientist trying to find answers to these weather patterns, currently there two theories circulating: 1) man-made phenomena and 2) natural phenomena. Today I would try to digest an interesting experiment schedule to take place in 2018 that could change the world forever. That experiment is called "Geoengineering". First I would like to define geoengineering, give reasons behind this experiment and summarize with some of my thoughts on the subject. This continues my environmental 'awareness' series.
Disclaimer: I am in no way endorsing such an experiment but bringing to light an important experiment that could have major impact on our environment.

What is Geoengineering?

According to scholars from Oxford University Geoengineering is the deliberate large-scale intervention in the Earth's natural systems to counteract climate change phenomena. These geoengineering techniques are divided into two major categories: 1) Solar Radiation Management (SRM) or Solar Geoengineering and 2) Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) or Carbon Geoengineering.

This experiment encompasses Solar geoengineering and thus, it would be the focus of our discussion.

What are the reasons behind Solar Geoengineering?

Extreme weather events are becoming more common and more ferocious. Some scientist believe as the surface temperature of the Earth rise, so to would the intensity and ferocity of natural disasters continue to rise. Some of these scientist have now taken bold steps and are attempting to reverse this phenomena by utilizing Solar geoengineering in 2018. They are exploring ways of reflecting sunlight back into space and thus help reduce the surface temperature.

The Climate Change Experiment

These scientist aim to conduct their experiment in the layer of the Earth known as the stratosphere. The stratosphere is the second major atmospheric layer above the troposphere and contains over 15% of the total mass of the atmosphere. It is also contains the 'ozone layer', which protects us from the harmful radiation of the sun.

Here how it works

They would release a substance into the 'stratosphere' that will cool down the planet by reflecting back the sunlight. This has raise quite a few eyebrows but these scientist argue that it is fundamentally different undertaking from merely messing up the climate but rather influencing it. They point out that they are not adding any carbon input but are regulating the temperature like anyone would do when they wear a white t-shirt vs a black t-shirt during a hot day. The team from Harvard University is the first in the world to test the effects that solar geoengineering might have in the stratosphere. An while this experiment may be considered as small scale, the results can have huge implication because any positive results may lead to large scale intervention.

What are the risks?

The most obvious one, these scientist are now introducing a completely new substance into the stratosphere, a layer of the Earth that is so vital to our very survival. We have to remember that is contains the 'ozone layer' which protects us from the harmful radiation of the sun and space. We cannot ascertain what reaction may take place because its completely new territory.
This is more of my personal views, these kind of research can actually hurt the fight for environmental awareness because conspiracy theories can take off in every direction. One has to also consider the geopolitical tension that may arise, we cannot even agree on carbon output in the face of obvious climate change whether it be man-made or natural phenomena, one can only imagine the geopolitical fallout from this experiment if the results are cloak in secrecy. Then we also have the consider the cost and who benefits, this is actually one of the main challenges of the Paris agreement. Money would follow money and the environment becomes an issue discuss by scholars and the poor and vulnerable are left to face the wrath of these climate challenges.
One of my main concern, even if this experiment turns out to be silver bullet, we have to foster technology that are clean and sustainable. Air pollution is still a problem in major cities, according to India's National Health Profile 2015, there has been a 30% increase in respiratory illness in Delhi which doctor's put squarely on air pollution. India is one of the countries where clean energy must be the cornerstone of government policy. Once again I am attacking this country, data are also available on other cities that can be explored.

To summarize, I applaud the bold steps by these scientist to explore a difficult topic and offer possible solution. As someone who appreciate science I would always advocate and encourage research. I would give my support for this experiment on a small scale providing that the research becomes public knowledge that can be scrutinize. It would be great to have data from this experiment shared on blockchain and I believe we owe the generation that comes after us the knowledge to tackle this very important issue whether it be man-made or natural phenomena. Ignorance and conspiracy theory in the face of obvious challenges with any research is a disaster to me. Nevertheless, I understand our history makes it difficult to trust experiment like these when our planet is at risk.

Thanks for reading, welcome your upvotes and please share your views

Sources

http://www.geoengineering.ox.ac.uk/what-is-geoengineering/what-is-geoengineering/
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/sep/23/india-doctors-air-pollution-rise-respiratory-diseases-delhi
http://www.weatherquestions.com/What_is_the_stratosphere.htm
http://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/flash/2016/engineering-earth-fight-climate-change/
https://chemtrailsnorthnz.wordpress.com/2013/04/09/uncensored-interview-lord-moncktons-covers-up-chemtrailsgeoengineering/
http://slideplayer.com/slide/9100756/