TIME EUROPE
November 13, 2000, Vol. 156 No. 20
Any Better Ideas?
Possible solutions to global warming
Many scientists would like to find a way to reverse global warming without cutting greenhouse emissions drastically. Some of the
proposed fixes make sense, some make nonsense. Here are a few:
Iron the sea
Large areas of ocean are nearly devoid of CO2-gobbling phytoplankton. Seeding these areas with a mixture of iron sulfate and a weak acid could cause a dramatic bloom of marine microorganisms that draw thousands of tons of CO2 out of the air and pull it to the bottom of the sea.
Objection: Tinkering with nature on such a massive scale could have unforeseen consequences.
Kill the cows
The tailpipe emissions of cattle, pigs and other livestock are a major source of methane, which may be a more potent greenhouse gas than CO2. Worldwide vegetarianism could make a major difference.
Objection: Politically unattainable.
Mirror images
Arrays of giant shiny panels could be put into orbit to reflect back enough sunlight to cool the earth.
Objection: That's a lot of mirrors.
Big balloon
Same idea as mirrors, but using millions of silvery mylar balloons instead.
Objection: That's a lot of balloons.
White city
Reflect heat away by painting roofs white and using light-colored materials for highways,parking lots and even cars.
Objection: That's a lot of white paint.
Shoot soot
Launch large quantities of soot into the stratosphere to increase cloud cover.
Objection: The soot would come from burning carbon-laden material, and that creates greenhouse gases.
This edition's table of contents
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November 13, 2000
COVER STORY
Stormy Weather
Are Europe's floods, gales and droughts here to stay? Yes, say the experts — and it could get worse
Any Better Ideas?
Possible solutions to global warming
EUROPE
For Whom the Bell Tolls
Lloyd's of London has won its landmark legal battle with investors. Now it must rebuild its fortunes
Sitting Pretty
Once dismissed as a Barbie Doll, Socialist star Elisabeth Guigou is a premier contender
A Brief History of the Higgs Hunt
Fast Forward Europe: Scientists in Switzerland may have solved one of the great mysteries of particle physics. Why should we care?
Digital Democracy
A young German entrepreneur is campaigning to bring people all politics, all the time — online
AFRICA
Above the Waterline
New investment helps Mozambique recover from natural disaster and years of economic stagnation
BUSINESS
Middelhoff's Vision
The Bertelsmann boss pulls off a shocking deal with renegade Napster. And he's just warming up
SPORT
Football's Crewe Cut
Seeking an end to transfer fees, the European Commission tackles soccer's governing bodies
THE ARTS
The Best of Both Worlds
Is it possible to be upwardly mobile yet keep hold of your principles? The new élite thinks it is
DEPARTMENTS
On Your Own Time
Copenhagen
World Watch
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
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