Sun shield’ could be used to protect Great Barrier Reef from warming, say scientists

A protective film 50,000 times thinner than a human hair could be used to protect coral reefs from rising temperatures.

Areas of the Great Barrier Reef could be protected
 from rises in temperatures using a 'sun shield' 

By applying a layer of protection to the surface of the water researchers think parts of the Great Barrier Reef could be effectively cooled, preventing deadly coral bleaching events.

This ‘sun shield’ is made from the same substance that makes up the coral skeletons themselves – calcium carbonate.

Read the Independent story by its science correspondent, Josh Gabbatiss - “‘Sun shield’ could be used to protect Great Barrier Reef from warming, say scientists.”

(Personally, the idea of any form of geo-engineering is offensive as it is little more than an extension and sustenance of ideas that permit the maintenance of business as usual, a philosophy that has brought us to a point that life as we understand and enjoy it may well collapse, bringing to an end the near-goldilocks-like conditions of the past 10,000 years which have allowed humanity to thrive. However, an Irish friend has suggested that the Beneath the Wisteria blog would be decidedly more balanced if the geo-engineering idea was allowed more exposure - he provided a the link to this story - Robert McLean)