TED Talks
How aerosols brighten clouds — and cool the planet
Here's a conundrum: the same aerosol pollutants that harm human health also help cool the climate, says atmospheric scientist Sarah J. Doherty. Is there a way to clean up the air without warming the planet? Exploring the unintended consequences of reducing air particulates, she makes the case for a better understanding of marine cloud brightening — or intentionally adding sea salt aerosols to clouds over the ocean, which could reflect sunlight back into space and potentially reduce Earth system warming.
by Sarah J. Doherty
Emergency medicine for our Earth system
Some industrial emissions also produce particles that reflect sunshine back into space, putting a check on Earth system warming that we're only starting to understand. Earth system security expert Kelly Wanser asks: Can we engineer ways to harness this effect and further reduce warming? Learn more about the promises and risks of "cloud brightening" -- and how it could help restore our Earth system to health.
by Kelly Wanser
The Spirit of TED: 1.5°C Gone Without Sunlight Reflection – So What's the Plan?
This talk, calling for a new paradigm in responding to Earth system change, was delivered by the remarkable 22-year-old Anni Pokela from Operaatio Arktis. It was written by her young colleague Anton Keskinen and presented at "ARCTIC MOMENTUM," an extraordinary gathering organized by the youth-led Operaatio Arktis. The event brought together scientists, policymakers, and youth and focused on the urgency of protecting the Arctic and the need for research on an expanded set of responses, held in Helsinki, Finland.
by Anni Pokela