Scientists propose cooling Earth with $200 trillion worth of diamond dust

The study, published in Geophysical Research Letters, explores injecting five million tons of diamond dust annually for the next 45 years to lower global temperatures by nearly 2.9 degrees Fahrenheit.

This would help keep the planet beneath the critical 2.7-degree warming threshold, beyond which catastrophic climate effects are expected.

Though the plan would cost an estimated $200 trillion, it’s part of a broader exploration of solar geoengineering techniques, which involve releasing particles into the atmosphere to reflect sunlight and cool the planet.

The research also examined more practical materials like sulfur, a cheaper alternative often linked to volcanic eruptions. While diamonds showed superior longevity and reduced risk of acid rain, sulfur remains the most likely candidate for future deployment due to its availability and affordability.

While injecting diamonds may never be implemented, the study highlights the importance of exploring all potential methods to mitigate climate change, according to experts.