Aluminum in Atmosphere

Geoengineering

In the face of growing concerns about climate change, scientists and policymakers have explored a variety of solutions to slow the planet’s warming.^[1] One of the most controversial strategies is geoengineering—specifically, spraying particles into the atmosphere to reflect sunlight and reduce global temperatures.^[2] Aluminum, a metal that, when aerosolized, could potentially reflect sunlight and help combat global warming, is used for this purpose.^[3] However, this practice raises significant concerns about environmental and human health risks due to aluminum contamination in the air.^[4]

Health Risks of Aerosolized Aluminum

The concept of spraying 10 to 20 megatons of aerosolized aluminum into the atmosphere each year to combat global warming is daunting.^[5] One of the primary concerns is the contamination of both the environment and the air we breathe.^[6]

Inhalation of fine particles of aluminum can pose significant respiratory risks.^[7] Prolonged exposure to high levels of airborne aluminum has been linked to various health issues, including respiratory problems, cognitive decline, and neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s.^[8]

Ethical and Governance Concerns

The ethical questions surrounding geoengineering are significant.^[9] Who would control the deployment of aluminum aerosolization, and who decides when and where such particles should be released into the atmosphere?^[10] What happens if unintended consequences cause more harm than good?^[11] The global nature of geoengineering means that decisions made in one part of the world could affect the entire planet, raising questions about governance and responsibility.^[12]

There is also concern about public awareness.^[13] Many people are unaware that geoengineering, including the spraying of aluminum into the atmosphere, is even being considered.^[14]