Scientists Propose Giant Sunshade in Space to Combat Global Warming
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Scientists propose placing a giant sunshade in space to block some solar radiation and counter global warming. It would need to block 2% of the sun's radiation to cool Earth by 2.7°F.
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The sunshade would be about the size of Argentina and weigh at least 2.5 million tons, so it would need to be a series of smaller shades.
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A team at the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology says they are ready to build a 100 sq ft prototype and need $10-20 million in funding.
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The idea has critics who say it's too expensive, risky from solar storms, and better to focus on emissions reductions. But proponents argue every potential solution should be explored.
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Launching materials from the moon could reduce costs. The Technion team says they could launch a prototype in 3 years and cool Earth in 2 years, at a trillions-dollar cost for the full version.