Dimming the Sun – a book review by Thomas Ramage

“Thomas Ramges”The sun dimmed“It is a brave but troubling book that confronts us with the harsh reality of climate change. It is not a paean Geological engineeringBut it is an urgent call to confront technology that we may one day have to use as a last resort. Not to promote “business as usual”, but to give us more time to decarbonise.

Ramge, a distinguished science writer and astute observer of technological developments, paints a bleak picture of our future. He warns of a “2.5 degree world” in which tipping points in the climate system could trigger irreversible chain reactions and plunge the Earth into a warming period. In this scenario, solar geoengineering, while unpleasant, may become the only option to avoid the worst impacts.

Ramage explains that geoengineering is not a miracle solution, but a risky experiment with uncertain outcomes. It is an intervention in Earth's complex system, the consequences of which we cannot yet fully assess. But it also underscores the need to discuss and research this technology now for emergency preparedness.

Ramage sees solar geoengineering as a combination of carbon dioxide₂– Filtration (direct air capture), i.e. the technology promoted by Climeworks and carbon engineering, interventions in nature so that fewer sunlight reaches the Earth. It is possible to introduce sulfur dioxide into the stratosphere using special aircraft to spread an “aerosol veil” everywhere on Earth.

The author appeared on NDR He gave a long interview.

This principle follows scientific findings related to volcanic eruptions, which lead to corresponding effects. When Pinatubo erupted, the global temperature briefly dropped by 0.5 degrees. Before a big experiment begins at the equator, which aims to spread the veil everywhere, solar geoengineering could also be used specifically above the poles to stop its melting.

The book is a call for global cooperation and responsible management of geoengineering. Ramji warns of the dangers of unilateral action and calls for an international framework that ensures transparency, accountability, and justice. Going it alone – like Make Sunsets does, for example – is viewed critically by Ramge. A joint decision and clear scientific support will be needed in order to ensure transparency of risks and side effects at all times.

Dimming the Sun is not an easy book, but it is an important book. It forces us to face an uncomfortable reality and think of solutions that go beyond the ordinary. Ramge's book is a wake-up call reminding us that we can't waste any more time fighting the climate crisis. It is a must-read book for anyone concerned about the future of our planet and willing to confront uncomfortable truths.

The temptations of solar geoengineering are enormous. There is a fear of linking the corresponding methods to false interests. And: A relatively immediate cooling of the world would be unilaterally counterproductive: cities, countries and continents are increasingly preparing for a warmer world. Would these developments then be unnecessary?

conclusion: “The Darkening of the Sun” is both apocalyptic and alarming, showing us the challenges that lie ahead in a rapidly changing world. It is a call for forward-looking thinking and action to secure the future of our planet. Policymakers, scholars, and the general public alike should take Ramge's dire warning and call to action seriously.

Martin-Ulrich Jindrichek, born in 1977, has been working in the clean technologies field as a journalist and communications consultant for more than 15 years. In 2009 he founded Cleanthinking.de – the cleaning of the future. The focus is on the question of how clean technology can help solve the climate problem. Author and business administration graduate Jendrischik follows the changes, often described as social and environmental change processes, intensively. As a “clean planet advocate”, the Heidelberg native doesn't just promote himself on social networks twitter/x or LinkedIn and Facebook Through the channels of clean thinking.

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