Produced by: Manoj Kumar
Scientists propose injecting 5.5 million tons of diamond dust yearly to cool Earth by 1.8°F, offsetting warming since the industrial revolution, according to a study in Environmental Research: Climate.
The concept mimics volcanic eruptions, where sulfur dioxide creates reflective aerosols that block sunlight, reducing temperatures.
Unlike other materials, diamond particles reflect sunlight without absorbing heat, avoiding disruptions in atmospheric circulation, researcher Sandro Vattioni explained.
Diamonds outperform aluminum and calcite in cooling efficiency, requiring only one-third the amount for the same temperature reduction.
Hundreds of high-altitude aircraft would need to disperse particles continuously for the desired effect, Vattioni noted.
Synthetic diamonds could cost significantly more than alternatives, with past studies estimating $175 trillion over 65 years for similar geoengineering efforts.
Calcite, a limestone component, is a cheaper alternative but less effective than diamonds, making cost versus impact a crucial consideration.
Some scientists warn against SAI due to unknown long-term effects and potential funding diversion from other climate solutions.
SAI is not a permanent solution but could “buy us time” to reach net-zero emissions and avoid ecological tipping points, Vattioni suggested.