Look forward to a darker world: 'Global dimming'

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the phenomenon of global dimming, specifically the observed reduction in solar radiation reaching the Earth's surface due to increased cloud cover and atmospheric particles. Participants explore the implications of this phenomenon, including its potential effects on global warming and weather patterns.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that there is a consensus among scientists regarding the reduction of solar radiation due to increased cloud cover and atmospheric particles.
  • One participant claims to have observed a 2-4% increase in high cirrus clouds attributed to aircraft contrails since the late 1950s.
  • Another participant questions the observational claims and the methodology behind them, expressing skepticism about the accuracy of the observations.
  • Concerns are raised about the potential negative impacts of global dimming on monsoon patterns and agricultural yields, particularly in specific regions.
  • Some participants suggest that the effects of global dimming on weather patterns are complex and unpredictable, cautioning against definitive statements about its consequences.
  • A participant references a study suggesting that adding aluminum oxide to jet fuel could intentionally reduce solar radiation, indicating a belief in the potential for human intervention in climate processes.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views on the implications of global dimming, with no clear consensus on its effects or the validity of observational claims. Disagreement exists regarding the potential benefits and drawbacks of the phenomenon.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the complexity of atmospheric processes and the uncertainty surrounding the long-term effects of global dimming on climate and weather patterns. Observational claims are based on personal experiences and may lack rigorous scientific validation.

Ivan Seeking
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It's official: the world is getting darker. Scientists are now agreed that as cloud cover and particles in the atmosphere increase, the amount of radiation reaching us from the Sun is falling. And while some are nervous to raise the idea, they think the effect may help protect us from global warming. [continued]

http://www.nature.com/nsu/040517/040517-7.html
 
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Since the late 1950s, scientists have observed a 2-4% reduction in the amount of solar radiation reaching the Earth's surface,

Since the late 1950s, I have observed a 2-4% increase in the amount of high cirrus type clouds generated by aircraft contrails.
 
U have observed? U do this for a living? For 54 years??
 
Hold it, the late fifties is not 54 years ago. And yes, I certainly did some observing back then but out of curiosity like all kids.
 
fine 45-55 years. Still, you observed specifically that a 2-4% increas in clouds would result from airplane fumes. I wonder how you did it.
 
protect us from global warming? i don't think so. it may weaken the monsoon over the subcontinent and decrease our agricultural yield substantially. that is bad news for my country.
 
It may but then again it may increase it strenght. Nobody can foresee how these chaotic processes work. So don't trust anybody who says: there will be global warming so the monsoons get weaker and dryer. But if you support our treaty and pay, everything will be fine again.
 
Andre said:
Since the late 1950s, I have observed a 2-4% increase in the amount of high cirrus type clouds generated by aircraft contrails.

IIRC, there is a study or paper that shows that if we added an aluminum oxide to jet fuel, we could reduce the incident solar radiation globally by about 1%. Given that this involves a direct effort to reduce the incoming energy, I doubt that we have had two or four times the influence by chance.

I think I have the patent linked in biology...I will try to find.
 

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