The Media and I: 'Global Shading' to Mitigate Climate Change

By Henry I. Miller, MS, MD — May 16, 2024
Volcanic eruptions cool the earth by "shading" the atmosphere with particles. What if we used giant balloons to similar effect?
Image by Michi S from Pixabay

Recently, I spoke with John Batchelor on his radio program about a novel solution to combat climate change developed with my MIT classmate, Tom Hafer, an engineer and skilled systems developer. Instead, or in addition to our current renewable energy initiatives, we proposed deploying giant balloons to block sunlight over heat-prone areas – just as volcanic eruptions result in global cooling? Our conversation touched on the potential health impacts of rising temperatures, from shifting agricultural patterns to exacerbating respiratory ailments and the plight of vulnerable outdoor workers. The conversation showcased a pragmatic approach to addressing climate change through an innovative yet do-able geoengineering strategy.

 

You can find the entire conversation here.

You can find a more comprehensive look by Dr. Miller and Tom Hafer here and here.

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Henry I. Miller, MS, MD

Henry I. Miller, MS, MD, is the Glenn Swogger Distinguished Fellow at the American Council on Science and Health. His research focuses on public policy toward science, technology, and medicine, encompassing a number of areas, including pharmaceutical development, genetic engineering, models for regulatory reform, precision medicine, and the emergence of new viral diseases. Dr. Miller served for fifteen years at the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in a number of posts, including as the founding director of the Office of Biotechnology.

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