Former Microsoft Tech chief Nathan Myhrvold wants to dim the sun’s rays with liquid sulphur pumped from helium-filled balloons. But it’s not like he is sitting behind a desk, tapping his fingers together muttering “excellent” or anything.
In fact, the idea is intended to save the planet from the scourge of global warming. The “Stratoshield”, as he calls it, would spray what some would consider an environmentally acceptable amount of liquid sulphur into the air through a 24km long hose attached to a helium-filled balloon. Apparently, the sulphur would dim the sun’s rays, effectively cooling the earth in an emergency situation. Yes, it sounds crazy (much like the hurricane defence system he proposed with Bill Gates) but keep in mind that when filthy rich captains of industry have kooky ideas, lots of other people take them seriously. [TechFlash]
Ollie
Friday, October 16, 2009 at 10:02 AMHe looks like he’s had a few sherbets.
Anon
Friday, October 16, 2009 at 7:37 PMThis idea’s kinda old. Pumping sulfur gas into the atmosphere would help to block out the sun and cool the earth. This guy’s just come up with a way to actually do it.
Also, interesting note: if you put enough up there to actually make a DIFFERENCE a side effect would be a green-sky.
Stefan
Saturday, October 17, 2009 at 2:03 AMYeah its not something thats good long term, and im not sure if it turns green or red lol :P i heard it was red but hell green or red skies would be scary as. xD