Mount Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano, erupted on Monday, producing a significant plume of ash, gas, and rock from a pyroclastic flow originating from the south-east crater’s collapse. While the eruption initially involved a lava fountain and a substantial ash cloud reaching 6.5 kilometers, authorities reported no immediate danger to the public. Although a red alert was issued for aviation, Catania airport remained open, and officials continue to monitor the situation. Tourists are advised to avoid the area.
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Within weeks, the UK government is expected to approve £50 million in funding for experiments exploring solar geoengineering techniques. These experiments, overseen by the Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA), will investigate methods such as stratospheric aerosol injection and cloud brightening to reflect sunlight and cool the planet. While potentially cost-effective, concerns exist regarding unforeseen consequences, including significant weather disruption. ARIA emphasizes the safety and reversibility of the planned small-scale outdoor experiments.
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New research by Professor James Hansen suggests the pace of global heating has been severely underestimated, rendering the 2°C target unattainable. This conclusion stems from findings that both the impact of reduced shipping pollution and climate sensitivity to increased emissions are higher than previously believed. These results, while at the high end of current estimates, cannot be dismissed and indicate a significantly accelerated warming trajectory, potentially triggering critical tipping points like the collapse of the Atlantic ocean currents. Unless drastic action is taken, including potentially exploring solar geoengineering, the study projects a 2°C rise by 2045.
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John Q. Hosedrinker