A team of scientists, led by Yoram Rozen from the Asher Space Research Institute, is developing a prototype for a space-based sunshade to mitigate global warming. The proposed shield, approximately one million square miles in size (equivalent to Argentina), aims to block between 1-2% of the Sun’s radiation. Due to the impracticality of launching such a large structure on a single rocket, the team proposes deploying a swarm of smaller shades into space, working collaboratively to form the intended shield. Rozen and his team are seeking $10-20 million to build and test the prototype.
Critics argue that a sunshade is cost-prohibitive and faces challenges in outer space, questioning its feasibility in addressing the rapidly progressing issue of global warming. However, proponents emphasize the importance of exploring various innovative solutions to climate change, considering the urgency of the situation. The team’s approach differs from previous proposals, aiming to partially block the Sun’s radiation rather than completely obstructing it with a giant parasol.
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Last year, another group of scientists explored the concept of placing dust at a “Lagrange point” between the Sun and Earth to counteract climate change. Additionally, an idea involving an actual “umbrella” attached to an asteroid was proposed to achieve a similar effect. Despite these creative proposals, critics argue that Earth’s atmosphere still traps heat through greenhouse gas emissions, requiring a comprehensive approach to address climate-related challenges.
Rozen and his team’s pursuit of the sunshade prototype aligns with their goal of showcasing a viable solution and encouraging global collaboration. While acknowledging that the Technion alone cannot save the planet, Rozen believes their efforts can serve as a demonstration of the feasibility of such innovative solutions. The team aims to demonstrate that a working solution exists and can be scaled up to the necessary size, showcasing the potential of space-based interventions to counteract the impacts of global warming.
