Atmospheric geoengineering affects our environment. It is the intentional manipulation of the environment, involving nuclear, biological, chemical, electromagnetic and/or other physical-agent activities that effect changes to Earth’s atmosphere and/or surface. For instance, the intentional aerosol injection of acidic sulfur dioxide into the stratosphere is done for the purpose of creating rain or dimming solar radiation, yet acid rain destroys trees and vegetation. The intentional spraying of aluminum and barium particles into the stratosphere is done for the purpose of deflecting solar radiation, yet aluminum and barium nanodusts are incendiary, fueling the ferocity of the super wildfires. Not to mention prolonged exposure to aluminum is linked to Alzheimer’s disease. Furthermore, aluminum inhibits plant growth and lowers plant nitrogen uptake, while barium inhibits a plant’s ability to absorb and sequester carbon.

When it comes to pure science, trees are naturals at absorbing carbon dioxide, cooling the planet, transpiring water up into the air and mitigating climate change. A decline in trees means that forests are less able to take up and store carbon dioxide gas from the atmosphere, leading to a global warming feedback loop. Beyond the effect on plants, these aerosols affect the air we breathe and the water we draw from our reservoirs.

Rhode Island’s proposed Geoengineering - Hazardous Emissions Act has new bill numbers for 2021: S0572 for Senate version and H5135 for House version. S0572 is being held for further study by the Senate Committee on Environmental and Agriculture. H5135 is being held by the House Committee on Environment and Natural Resources. Being “held for further study” usually means it is getting stalled.

Take Action! Take a look at who sits on these committees (RILegislature.gov/Pages/committees.aspx) and then contact them at 401-222-3983. Ask the Rhode Island State House main line directly for the elected person and they will patch callers through to their office. Tell them to vote for the RI Geoengineering - Hazardous Emissions Act and ask them if they would be willing to be a co-sponsor.