Dr. David Keith’s proposal to cool Earth sparks debate

David Keith suggests releasing sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere to lower global temperatures, igniting both interest and concern over the potential risks and benefits of geoengineering.

David Gelles reports for The New York Times.


In short:

  • David Keith proposes using sulfur dioxide in the stratosphere to reduce global warming, drawing parallels to the cooling effect of the 1991 Mount Pinatubo eruption.
  • Critics fear geoengineering could lead to unforeseen global consequences, such as altered weather patterns and health risks, and divert attention from reducing fossil fuel use.
  • Keith acknowledges the risks but emphasizes the potential to save millions of lives by mitigating heat-related deaths.

Key quote:

“There are unintended consequences of powerful technologies like these, and we have no idea what they will be.”

— David Suzuki, Canadian environmentalist

Why this matters:

Geoengineering is increasingly discussed as a potential tool against climate change, but its deployment poses ethical and environmental challenges. While it might offer a temporary solution to rising temperatures, it may also introduce new risks and delay essential efforts to reduce carbon emissions.

Wildland firefighters conducting prescribed burning
Credit: Photo by Emma Renly on Unsplash

Tribes revive fire practices to protect forests from modern wildfires

The Post followed cultural burning practices, an Indigenous tradition now permitted under California law and used to help protect forests from wildfires.
A hat that reads "Make America Great Again"
Credit: Photo by Natilyn Hicks Photography on Unsplash

Trump cuts climate-friendly Energy office jobs

The Energy Department offices impacted by Trump administration layoffs include those focused on climate-friendly energy sources amid the administration’s broader crackdown on renewables.

Abandoned buildings on a bare arctic summer landscape
Credit: Copyright: Sophia Granchinho/BigStock Photo ID: 471231107

More than 1,500 people displaced after typhoon remnants devastate Alaska villages

At least one person was killed and two were missing after weekend storm battered two Alaska Native communities.

Hawaii airlines jet

Teens who sued Hawai‘i say state’s climate plan for aviation doesn’t fly

Interisland flights are Hawaiʻi’s biggest transportation carbon producer, making up more than half of all emissions related to civilian travel in the state.
Xray with detailed view of lungs

Coal miners and advocates plead with Trump to enforce black lung rule

In a rally outside the U.S. Department of Labor, miners and their advocates stressed the need to limit silica exposure and protect workers from irreversible health impacts.
Human palm of hand coated with gold
Credit: Photo by MUILLU on Unsplash

UN warns of mercury contamination in Colombia's Atrato River

A United Nations letter to Colombia warns that mercury contamination from illegal gold mining in the Atrato River basin is causing a grave human rights crisis for Indigenous and Afro-descendant communities.
abandoned bulldozer

Ohio to fast-track energy at former coal mines and brownfields

It’s part of a new law meant to boost power production amid rising demand — and it could help renewables grow faster while putting industrial land to use.
From our Newsroom
Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro speaks with the state flag and American flag behind him.

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

silhouette of people holding hands by a lake at sunset

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

wildfire retardants being sprayed by plane

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.

Stay informed: sign up for The Daily Climate newsletter
Top news on climate impacts, solutions, politics, drivers. Delivered to your inbox week days.