A new study in the journal Nature Food has recently drawn attention by outlining the possible effects of a geoengineering technique known as Stratospheric Aerosol Intervention (SAI) on global food production.
SAI: A Second Option for Combating Climate Change
As traditional mitigation strategies for climate change are proving insufficient, SAI is emerging as an alternate solution. The technique, which involves the injection of sulphur dioxide into the stratosphere, mimics the natural process of volcanic eruptions. Here, the sulphur dioxide gets oxidised to form sulphuric acid, which then transitions into reflective aerosol particles. This approach mirrors the eruption of Mount Pinatubo in 2001, post which the average global temperature dropped by about 0.6 degrees Celsius over 15 months.
The Agricultural Implications of SAI
The impact of SAI on agricultural productivity varies depending on factors like temperature, precipitation, and solar radiation. Computer models are being used to evaluate how different SAI scenarios might affect crops such as maize, rice, soybean, and spring wheat. Research suggests that under uncontrolled climate change, crop production could thrive in colder, high-latitude areas like Canada and Russia.
Also, moderate SAI levels may potentially enhance food productivity in mid-latitude temperate regions such as North America and Eurasia. Interestingly, with extensive climate intervention, agricultural production in tropical zones could also see a boost. However, the SAI levels would depend on each nation’s geographical location and climatic requirements.
Assessing Broader Impacts of SAI
While the study primarily focuses on agricultural output, it also emphasizes the need to consider other potential fallouts—like effects on human health and ecosystems—from SAI.
Understanding Stratospheric Aerosol Intervention
Stratospheric Aerosol Intervention is a proposed method of solar geoengineering to reduce global warming by introducing aerosols into the stratosphere. This results in global dimming and increased albedo, much like what happens after a volcanic winter. However, SAI could have unintended environmental and societal consequences such as affecting the ozone layer, hydrological cycle, monsoon systems, and crop yields.
What Are Geoengineering Techniques?
Geoengineering techniques are deliberate, large-scale interventions in the Earth’s climate system to counter climate change. Broadly, these interventions are categorized into two: Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) and Solar Radiation Management(SRM).
Carbon Dioxide Removal Techniques
CDR techniques aim at reducing the greenhouse effect by removing excess carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. These techniques include afforestation, reforestation, biochar production, Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS), and ocean fertilization.
Solar Radiation Management Techniques
SRM techniques intend to decrease the quantity of solar energy reaching the Earth’s surface, thereby cooling the planet. Some examples of these techniques include Stratospheric Aerosol Intervention, Space-Based Reflectors, Marine Cloud Brightening, Cirrus Cloud Thinning, and Surface Albedo Modification.
These strategic interventions of geoengineering techniques could prove to be instrumental in managing and mitigating the impacts of climate change in the future.
