Islanders should be concerned of the dangers of geoengineering
To the Expositor:
For years now, persistent lasting contrails have marked the skies above us. What is happening?
According to Oxford University, geoengineering is the deliberate large-scale intervention in the Earth’s natural systems to counteract climate change. Scientists who support geoengineering work on the premise that global warming must be slowed. Examples of geoengineering (GE) include solar radiation management, cloud seeding, carbon dioxide removal, and ocean fertilization, among others. I would specifically like to address solar radiation management.
Solar radiation management (SRM) introduces reflective nanoparticles into the upper atmosphere to reflect some sunlight before it reaches the surface of the Earth. Sulphur dioxide, aluminum and barium are some of the likely ingredients for SRM. Persistent lasting contrails remain in our skies for hours, slowing dissipation and creating a false cloud ceiling. What affect will these particles have on the air we breathe, the water we drink and the earth we live upon?
The results of SRM are unknown. It is an experiment being conducted in our skies. Geoengineering scientists admit they do not know how SRM will affect our environment, but they do acknowledge it will be messy. The treatment could very well be worse than the disease. They don’t know, and they hope that you are not paying attention.
Oxford University has determined the following principles for geoengineering:
- GE to be regulated as a public good.
- Public participation in GE decision making.
- Disclosure of GE research and open publication of results.
- Independent assessment of results.
- Governance before deployment.
This has not occurred, yet exactly what the GE scientists propose is appearing in our skies. Citizens of Canada have not given their informed consent.
Geoengineering policy acknowledges the practice will be uneven. Some will benefit, others will suffer. Winners and losers will be established. Compensation systems will be created. Geoengineering policy suggests GE can be pressed upon and accepted by democratic peoples in much the same way as tax collection, military conscription and eminent domain.
Manitoulin Island just experienced its darkest winter in 80 years, according to this newspaper. SRM will continue to remove direct sunlight, which is required for life. Solar radiation management must cease until its full implications are known and citizens can make an informed decision about its use.
Sincerely,
Zak Nicholls
Little Current
