The Climate Emergency Forum hosts a discussion about the late Stephen Salter, a pioneering professor of engineering at the University of Edinburgh, and his work on marine cloud brightening (MCB) as a potential solution for mitigating global warming.
This video was recorded on March 27th, 2024, and published on April 14th, 2024.
The participants reflect on Salter’s innovative ideas and creative mindset. A key focus is Salter’s proposal to use a fleet of unmanned ships to spray fine sea water droplets into marine clouds to increase their reflectivity and albedo, thereby reflecting more sunlight back into space and cooling the planet. Salter provided calculations on the number of ships needed for different cooling goals, such as reversing sea level rise or preserving Arctic ice. The dialogue highlights the relatively low cost and scalability of this approach versus other geoengineering methods.
The participants emphasize the need for solutions like MCB, given the rapidly worsening climate crisis. However, they also acknowledge the public opposition and lack of media coverage around such unconventional approaches. They stress the importance of engaging in broader conversations, good governance, and bringing the public on board through strategic communication efforts to explain the vision and overcome the code of silence around these topics in mainstream discourse.
Overall, the dialogue serves as a tribute to Salter’s innovative work while underscoring the potential of marine cloud brightening as a viable, affordable, and environmentally-friendly way to help mitigate global warming, if implemented responsibly and with proper public support.
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Stephen Salter (1938–2024) - was an Emeritus Professor at the University of Edinburgh, invented the Salter duck wave energy device. His innovations include the world’s first multi-directional wave tank and feedback control systems for wave absorption.
Dr. Peter Wadhams - is a pioneering researcher in Arctic ice and atmospheric/ocean physics. He is one of the leading experts on Arctic sea ice decline. Wadhams authored the acclaimed book “Farewell to Ice” which received overwhelmingly positive reviews beyond just academia.
Dr. Alexandra Price - is a Research Associate at the University of Edinburgh with a background in experimental modelling of wave energy converters. She has worked principally in commercial R&D of wave energy.
Dr. Win Rampen - is Chair of Energy Storage at the University of Edinburgh, founded Artemis Intelligent Power, advancing Digital Displacement hydraulic tech. A pioneer in renewable energy, he oversaw Artemis’s growth and holds multiple fellowships.
Robert Tulip - is a veteran of the Australian Public Service with degrees from Macquarie and Monash Universities. He is a climate engineering pioneer advocating for ocean-based algae production. He is also part of the Healthy Planet Action Coalition Steering Circle.
Herb Simmens - is co-founder of the Healthy Planet Action Coalition (HPAC). As Executive Director, he crafted NJ’s smart growth plan, led higher ed climate consortiums, managed cities, taught, and authored books on climate strategy.
Charles Gregoire - Electrical Engineer, Webmaster and IT prime for FacingFuture.Earth & the Climate Emergency Forum; Climate Reality Leader
Heidi Brault - Climate Reality Leader, BA(Psychology), Library & Information Technician Diploma - Video production and website assistant - Organizer and convener, Metadata technician, COP Team Lead for FacingFuture.Earth and the Climate Emergency Forum.
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