Keeling Curve

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Project Summary / Description:

MEER (Mirrors for Earth's Energy Rebalancing) is a nonprofit organization that aims to reduce local and global temperatures. Although the harmful effects of heat and the increasing warming trend have been well-publicized, the potential warming path has not been fully realized. Specifically, the eventual elimination of aerosols from coal plants and ships is necessary, but these aerosols have been providing some cooling by reflecting light to space. Removing these aerosols will result in additional warming, potentially leading to a temperature increase of over 1.2℃, which will be added to the already locked-in warming of 2-3℃. The likely path is to have temperatures increase over 3-4℃. MEER was established to combat these catastrophic scenarios by keeping heat out now while we work towards decarbonization.

Our priority is to address the pressing issue of climate change by restoring the Earth's energy balance by the end of the century. To achieve this goal, we rely on meticulous and comprehensive research to understand the impact of Surface Reflection Technology (SRT). We approach this with caution and only move forward if the data shows a viable and secure path. We understand the urgency of the situation, but we can only move as fast as our research allows. To expedite the process of scaling up SRT, we collaborate with renowned universities and organizations worldwide. We welcome feedback and accountability from the global community as we embark on this significant journey.
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MEER combines adaptation and mitigation efforts with Surface Reflection Technology (SRT). It uses mirrors to reflect sunlight away from the Earth's surface. This initiative is unique because it can cool local and global regions, promising to mitigate climate change's effects. This innovative approach could have far-reaching implications.

Our team collaboratively designs, tests, and implements passive solar reflectors that provide strong local cooling for land and freshwater bodies to protect agriculture, ecosystem biodiversity, and human habitats from the increasingly damaging effects of heatwaves and drought. MEER's device design and engineering prioritize durability and operate within the energy, material, and time constraints imposed on humanity for a global solution to global warming.

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Through years of observation, theory development, and model building, scientists have gained a deep understanding of the Earth's climate system. It is now widely accepted that human activity, specifically greenhouse gas emissions, is causing climate change. 

The Earth is experiencing a significant positive energy imbalance. This imbalance is storing 400 Terawatts of heat in the ocean and atmosphere, which is twenty times more than the energy used by human civilization. This has caused a warming trend known as global warming or anthropogenic climate change. Many researchers and the general public are becoming increasingly concerned about the potential for extreme weather events, heat strokes, droughts, crop failures, internal displacement, and ecosystem collapse. This phenomenon could cause widespread suffering within the lifetimes of most of the Earth's human population. We can confidently say that the impacts of climate change are already being felt and will only continue to worsen in the future.

Our goal is to advance the study of surface albedo modification to understand the adaptation benefits and climate impacts of its widespread implementation. Local responses are diverse in different geographical locations and specific applications. We are currently conducting field experiments across various locations in the United States, Africa, and India. We will steadily publish the data in peer-reviewed journals, with thorough analyses and modelling support, to enable the development of a comprehensive plan and integrated model for deploying solar reflectors that can be used for both local adaptation and global mitigation.

At MEER, we understand the importance of balancing Earth's energy while respecting the limited time, energy, and material resources available. It's essential to consider the aerosol pollution in the northern hemisphere, which reduces global warming by reflecting sunlight back into space. If aerosol emissions were to suddenly fall, this temporary reduction, known as "global dimming," could disappear within a few months, leaving the Earth fully vulnerable to the suffocating heat of the global greenhouse.

MEER's strategy is unique in that it relies solely on recycled materials. The mirrors used in MEER are made of recycled materials such as aluminum, which is sourced from discarded cans, and plastic. This means there is no need to extract new materials from the Earth or manufacture new ones. There is already a surplus of aluminum and plastic that is discarded every year, which can be utilized to construct MEER mirrors worldwide. Unlike white paint that contains petrochemicals and harms the environment, MEER mirrors are made without petrochemicals. They are also less expensive to produce, with a current cost of $8 per m2 that we anticipate will decrease to below $1 per m2. Furthermore, MEER mirrors require less maintenance as they can last for decades without renewing. Rain and wind can clear most dust and debris from the mirrors, and occasional sweeping is sufficient to maintain them.

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Impact on Underrepresented Groups:

Over one billion people lack access to basic cooling systems, and this number is on the rise. At MEER, we are developing passive cooling solutions that incorporate recyclable materials to aid climate adaptation and improve the resilience of the most vulnerable communities, both locally and globally.

Our first two major projects are in Sierra Leone and India.  MEER plans addition water retention (evaporation suppression) research in Africa too.

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