Technology

A controversial experiment to artificially cool Earth was canceled — what we know about why

Published

1 month ago

August 12, 2024

A controversial experiment to artificially cool Earth was canceled — what we know about why

After years of legwork, Harvard researchers canceled plans to test a controversial theory for cooling the planet by sending sunlight-reflecting particles up into the atmosphere. Now, members of an independent advisory committee tasked with addressing ethics and safety concerns are sharing what they learned from the ill-fated project.

A policy analysis published in the journal Science on Friday highlights how important it is to talk to people on the ground before launching an experiment, especially one tied to potentially planet-altering consequences. The paper echoes recent calls to get policies in place to protect against any unintended side effects.

Until pretty recently, the thought of reflecting sunlight back into space to combat global warming — a process called solar geoengineering — seemed to be firmly rooted in science fiction. But with the climate crisis worsening, the idea has started to move from the fringes of academic research to garner more serious debate.

“Public engagement is necessary”

Some researchers and their Silicon Valley backers want to put the theory to the test. And time is running out to establish rules for how to craft those experiments responsibly, which could help determine whether solar geoengineering will do more harm than good.

“One of the core messages that comes out of this is that public engagement is necessary even when you don’t think that the impact of the experiment is going to be felt in a real way, in a concrete way, in real time. This issue has such a long tail, and it has such deeper meaning for so many people,” says Sikina Jinnah, lead author of the Science policy analysis and a professor of environmental studies at the University of California, Santa Cruz.

Harvard researchers launched the project called SCoPEx — short for Stratospheric Controlled Perturbation Experiment — back in 2017. To better understand any potential risks or benefits associated with solar geoengineering, it planned to conduct the first-ever outdoor experiment using reflective particles. It would have released some of those aerosols into the stratosphere via balloon and then piloted the balloon back through the plume to take measurements. The aim was to observe how the particles interact with each other and other elements of that environment — resulting in data that could be used to make more accurate computer models.

That never happened. There was supposed to be an engineering test flight without any particle release in Sweden in 2021, but it was scrapped after facing strong opposition from local Indigenous leaders. A big point of contention was that the researchers didn’t initially reach out to the Saami Council, which represents Saami Indigenous peoples’ organizations in the region. Members of SCoPEx’s advisory committee didn’t agree on whether to consult with the Saami since the test flight wasn’t going to release anything into the atmosphere, according to the policy analysis. The majority wound up deciding that the test flight could go ahead if there weren’t any significant environmental concerns to flag.

The Saami Council caught wind of the plans anyway and wrote a strongly worded letter to the advisory committee demanding the researchers cancel the flight. They said it was “remarkable” that the test flight would take place without consulting the Saami people or other local stakeholders, given the controversies swirling around solar geoengineering. Local environmental advocates, including Swedish chapters of Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth, also signed the letter.

Solar geoengineering is still considered a “false solution” to climate change by many activists. Injecting particles in the atmosphere attempts to recreate the way erupting volcanoes can temporarily cool the planet by releasing sulfur dioxide. But sulfur dioxide might also lead to acid rain, worsen the Antarctic ozone hole, or have other unforeseen consequences. There are also fears that solar geoengineering could detract from efforts to transition to clean energy, or lead to a dangerous swing in global temperatures if it’s ever implemented and then abruptly stopped.

“We note that [solar geoengineering using reflective particles] is a technology that entails risks of catastrophic consequences … There are therefore no acceptable reasons for allowing the SCoPEx project to be conducted either in Sweden or elsewhere,” the Saami Council letter says.

The advisory committee ultimately recommended canceling the test flight in Sweden after receiving that letter. By 2023, Harvard had told the advisory committee that it had “suspended” the project and then canceled it altogether in March of this year. The project “struggled both with intense media attention and with how to address calls from the scientific advisory committee to broadly and formally engage with the public,” Nature reported at the time, citing one of its project leaders.

“I’m grateful for the SCoPEx Advisory Committee’s insights. Their thoughtful analysis is valuable to the scientific community as it considers important questions of governance,” Frank Keutsch, who was the principal investigator for SCoPEx, tells The Verge in an email. He didn’t elaborate more on why the project ended.

It’ll take more than an ad hoc committee to effectively oversee geoengineering research moving forward, according to the newly published policy analysis. “The time is ripe for governments to begin discussing coordination of research governance,” it says.

Those talks have already started at the European Commission and the United Nations Environment Assembly, although they haven’t led to any concrete new policies yet. There has been a moratorium on large-scale geoengineering since a United Nations biodiversity conference in 2010, but it excludes small-scale scientific research.

And small fly-by-night initiatives have become a bigger concern lately. Last year, the founders of one geoengineering startup grilled fungicide in a California parking lot to produce sulfur dioxide gas that they then attempted to launch into the atmosphere via weather balloons. That followed a similar balloon launch in Mexico that prompted the government there to bar solar geoengineering experiments. The policy analysis calls the startup’s efforts “irresponsible” and “not tied to any legitimate scientific pursuit.”

Since then, there have been calls to either lay down rules for how to regulate future experiments or to stop solar geoengineering altogether. But without broader policies in place, keeping up with new geoengineering efforts gets to be a bit like playing whack-a-mole around the world.

Those policies could also ensure that nearby communities get to have a say in projects that might affect them. And as we’ve learned with SCoPEx, even more studious efforts can skip that step to their own detriment.

Technology

Backup by BioLite is a beefy emergency battery for your big appliances

Published

2 hours ago

September 18, 2024

Press Room

Backup by BioLite is a beefy emergency battery for your big appliances

Instead of wiring into a home’s breaker box, the Backup by BioLite home backup power solution relies on thin battery panels that can fit behind appliances to keep them running for days at a time. It’s built around two 1.5kWh lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4, or LFP) batteries, the Backup Core and Backup Extend. Like any uninterruptible power supply, the Backup Core keeps itself perpetually charged from a wall outlet while power is available, then switches to keep whatever’s plugged into it running during a power outage.

If you need more backup power, up to five Backup Extend units can be connected to a Backup Core unit to expand the total capacity to 9kWh, and you don’t need a contractor or electrician to install any of it.

BioLite’s system was designed to be a cheaper and easier alternative to whole-home backup power solutions that rely on a central battery or gas-powered generator to keep an entire house running during a power outage. A natural gas generator alone can cost well over $5,000, while a Tesla Powerwall installation can set you back over $10,000.

The Backup by BioLite batteries are 29 inches tall and weigh upwards of 40lbs each.

Image: BioLite

The Backup Core battery panel will sell for $1,999, but BioLite will also offer a $2,999 Backup Complete solution, pairing a Core with a single Extend battery, that’s eligible for a 30 percent home energy tax credit. The company says the 3kWh Backup Complete has enough capacity to keep an 18 cubic foot fridge running for up to 60 hours or a larger 26 cubic foot fridge powered for up to 30 hours while also allowing for the occasional use of lights or other smaller appliances.

BioLite is bringing its backup power solution to consumers through a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign that launches today, with discounts for early backers or those who opt to put down a deposit and pay in full through an installment plan later. Although the company has been around since 2006, making products like a power-generating camp stove, this will be its most expensive offering to date, and the usual caveats and risks with crowdfunded products apply here.

The Backup by BioLite batteries don’t need to be installed on a wall. They can be placed on top of a refrigerator, or hidden behind other furniture.

Image: BioLite

The Backup by BioLite batteries measure 29 inches tall and weigh between 35 and 40 lbs. They’re each just 2.8 inches thick, however, allowing them to be mounted out of sight behind appliances or furniture using hardware that takes about 30 minutes to install, claims the company. But a permanent installation isn’t necessary, as BioLite says the batteries will work just as well placed atop a fridge or slid under a bed.

Technology

Tesla's Cybertruck gets military makeover with tactical twist

Published

2 hours ago

September 18, 2024

Press Room

Tesla's Cybertruck gets military makeover with tactical twist

The future of apocalypse-ready vehicles is here, thanks to a collaboration between Archimedes Defense and Unplugged Performance. Together, they have unveiled the STING package for Tesla’s Cybertruck. This package transforms the Cybertruck into an impressive machine equipped with advanced features tailored for survival and resilience.

Let’s explore how these enhancements make the Cybertruck not just a means of transportation but a vital tool for navigating a world turned upside down. From advanced armor to innovative power sources, we’ll take a closer look at what makes this electric powerhouse ready for anything the future might throw at it.

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STING package for Cybertruck (Archimedes Defense) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What’s all the fuss about?

The STING package for Tesla Cybertrucks is not just futuristic but practically bulletproof and able to charge itself in the middle of nowhere. That’s the STING package in a nutshell, folks. It’s like Tesla and Mad Max had a baby and that baby grew up to be a superhero.

STING package for Cybertruck (Archimedes Defense) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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The 3 STING variations

The STING package offers three distinct variations: Sting Baja, Sting Protector and Sting APC. Each variation is designed to meet specific operational needs, whether for adventurous off-grid excursions or high-threat environments.

STING Baja: This bad boy is for those who want to go off-road and venture where no charging station has gone before. It comes with the UP INVINCIBLE® off-road package and a nifty frunk-mounted generator that can run on jet fuel, diesel or biodiesel. The AMP Drive G125 is an 800-volt beast that can supercharge the Cybertruck at up to 125kW. And get this: It can even rescue-charge other vehicles.

STING Protector: Stepping it up a notch, this variation adds bolt-on armor plating that can withstand assault rifle rounds. It’s perfect for corporate bigwigs or government officials who like their rides extra secure.

STING APC: The crème de la crème of apocalypse-ready vehicles. This beast can withstand heavy machine gun fire and even improvised explosive devices. The STING APC variation takes protection to a whole new level with upgraded bolt-on offset steel and ceramic armor plating. It’s like driving around in a personal tank.

STING package for Cybertruck (Archimedes Defense) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Military applications

The STING package for Tesla Cybertrucks presents intriguing possibilities for tactical operations. Its electric power train offers two key advantages that could revolutionize battlefield tactics: silent mobility and silent watch. These capabilities are often referred to in military terms as having a low acoustic and thermal signature.

Silent mobility

The Cybertruck’s electric motors provide near-silent operation, allowing troops to approach targets without making much noise. This stealth capability could be a game-changer for reconnaissance missions and surprise attacks, enabling forces to get much closer to objectives without detection.

Silent watch

Silent watch is a crucial aspect of military operations where warfighters often engage in observation of enemy activity in silence. Traditional internal combustion engine vehicles are loud and inefficient when idling. In contrast, EVs like the Cybertruck consume much less energy and remain silent when stationary while still providing climate control and powering communication devices. This efficiency and stealth during stationary operations can significantly enhance surveillance and covert missions.

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Additional benefits

The Cybertruck’s low center of gravity, due to its battery placement, offers improved stability compared to traditional military vehicles. This could translate to better performance in rough terrain and increased resistance to rollovers, enhancing both safety and maneuverability in combat situations. As the U.S. military explores hybrid and electric options for its tactical fleet, vehicles like the militarized Cybertruck could serve as valuable test beds for integrating cutting-edge EV technology into combat operations.

Law enforcement applications

The benefits of electric vehicles extend beyond military applications. Police fleets could also greatly benefit from EV technology, particularly in terms of efficiency during idle times. Police vehicles often spend a significant amount of time idling while officers conduct surveillance or perform stationary duties. EVs would allow for silent, efficient operation during these periods, reducing fuel consumption while still powering necessary equipment and maintaining climate control.

STING package for Cybertruck (Archimedes Defense) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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The price of survival

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “This sounds expensive.” And you’re right. While prices haven’t been announced yet, the company tells us that pricing is highly dependent on the customization options customers choose. However, it’s safe to assume this won’t come cheap. But considering the Cybertruck’s base price, anyone looking to upgrade to the STING package likely won’t mind the extra cost. After all, can you really put a price on surviving the apocalypse in style?

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STING package for Cybertruck (Archimedes Defense) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Kurt’s key takeaways

The STING package for the Cybertruck definitely pushes the limits of what we thought possible for civilian vehicles. It’s a clear sign of our constant drive to be ready for anything, even while hoping for the best. Whether it’s for adventurous civilians, military operations or law enforcement missions, the STING package definitely ensures you’re prepared for extreme conditions and high-threat environments.

How much importance do you place on having a vehicle that can handle extreme conditions, even if you might never encounter them? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

Technology

Mickey 17’s first trailer is light in tone, heavy on dead Robert Pattinsons

Published

9 hours ago

September 17, 2024

Press Room

Mickey 17’s first trailer is light in tone, heavy on dead Robert Pattinsons

It may have been delayed until next year, but at least we now have our first look at Mickey 17. The debut trailer for the sci-fi film — which is helmed by Parasite director Bong Joon-ho and stars Robert Pattinson as Mickey Barnes — premiered Tuesday evening. According to the trailer’s description, Barnes “has found himself in the extraordinary circumstance of working for an employer who demands the ultimate commitment to the job… to die, for a living.”

The movie is based on the novel Mickey 7 by Edward Ashton, about “a disposable employee on a human expedition sent to colonize the ice world Niflheim.” The book follows the seventh incarnation of the titular Mickey, but it appears in the movie he dies quite a few more times. In addition to Pattinson, it stars Steven Yeun, Naomi Ackie, Toni Collette, Mark Ruffalo, and Thomas Turgoose.

Mickey 17 will be Joon-ho’s first film since Parasite in 2019, and is slated to hit theaters on January 31st, 2025.