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

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.

Protest poster with the words 'you'll die of old age we'll die of climate change.'

Climate shifts in 2025 could reshape global action

The year 2025 is expected to bring pivotal developments for climate policy with Donald Trump’s return to the White House, new national climate targets and a potentially influential court ruling on global climate obligations.

Jocelyn Timperley and Isabelle Gerretsen report for BBC.

Keep reading...Show less
Senator Whitehouse & climate change

Senator Whitehouse puts climate change on budget committee’s agenda

For more than a decade, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse gave daily warnings about the mounting threat of climate change. Now he has a powerful new perch.
An image of the earth surrounded by fire from a gas stove

Global warming surpasses key temperature limit as nations face climate reckoning

Global temperatures in 2024 exceeded the 1.5-degree Celsius threshold above preindustrial levels, raising urgent concerns about the effectiveness of current climate policies.

Raymond Zhong and Brad Plumer report for The New York Times.

Keep reading...Show less
California firefighters looking out over a smoky ridge toward the ocean.

Wildfires in Los Angeles region set to become most expensive in U.S. history

Massive wildfires sweeping through Los Angeles' affluent neighborhoods could result in economic losses of up to $150 billion, surpassing previous wildfire records in the U.S.

Julian Mark and Aaron Gregg report for The Washington Post.

Keep reading...Show less
A rake leaning against a tree in the middle of the forest.

Trump’s disaster relief policies could be shaped by partisan politics

Donald Trump’s history of politicizing disaster relief has sparked concerns that he may withhold aid from states led by political opponents during his upcoming term, particularly in light of his previous threats regarding California wildfires.

Aaron Blake reports for The Washington Post.

Keep reading...Show less
Airplane dropping fire retardant on a wildfire with homes on a hillside in the background.

Firefighting chemical raises concerns about environmental toxicity

Planes dropping fire retardant are a critical wildfire defense, but new research highlights concerns about the chemical’s environmental impact due to heavy metals and other pollutants.

Hiroko Tabuchi reports for The New York Times.

Keep reading...Show less
3D image of a solar powered battery pack.

Massive battery project rises on former coal mine in Scotland

Developers in South Lanarkshire are building one of Europe’s largest battery farms to store excess wind energy, aiming to stabilize the UK’s renewable power grid.

Kevin Keane reports for BBC.

Keep reading...Show less
Industrial robot producing solar panels.

U.S. ramps up solar and battery manufacturing but lags in key components

The U.S. has significantly increased domestic production of solar panels and batteries over the past four years, but crucial supply chain gaps in raw materials and key components remain as demand surges.

Julian Spector reports for Canary Media.

Keep reading...Show less
From our Newsroom
Op-ed: Toxic prisons teach us that environmental justice needs abolition

Op-ed: Toxic prisons teach us that environmental justice needs abolition

Prisons, jails and detention centers are placed in locations where environmental hazards such as toxic landfills, floods and extreme heat are the norm.

Agents of Change in Environmental Justice logo

LISTEN: Reflections on the first five years of the Agents of Change program

The leadership team talks about what they’ve learned — and what lies ahead.

Resident speaks at an event about the Midwest hydrogen hub organized by Just Transition NWI.

What a Trump administration means for the federal hydrogen energy push

Legal and industry experts say there are uncertainties about the future of hydrogen hubs, a cornerstone of the Biden administration’s clean energy push.

unions climate justice

Op-ed: The common ground between labor and climate justice is the key to a livable future

The tale of “jobs versus the environment” does not capture the full story.

Union workers from SEIU holding climate protest signs at a rally in Washington DC

El terreno común entre los derechos laborales y la justicia climática es la clave de un futuro habitable

La narrativa de “empleos vs. proteger el medio ambiente” no cuenta la historia completa.

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