[2026] PTE Academic Reading - Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers

Solar geoengineering, also known as solar radiation management, refers to a set of proposed technologies aimed at reflecting a small fraction of sunlight back into space to counteract global warming. One of the most widely discussed methods is stratospheric aerosol injection, which involves spraying reflective particles, such as sulfur dioxide, into the upper atmosphere to mimic the cooling effect of large volcanic eruptions.Proponents argue that this could provide a rapid and relatively inexpensive way to stabilize global temperatures while the world transitions away from fossil fuels. However, critics emphasize that geoengineering does not address the root cause of climate change, which is the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.Consequently, it would not stop ocean acidification, a process caused by the absorption of excess carbon dioxide into the seas that threatens marine life. Furthermore, there are significant concerns regarding the unintended side effects on global weather systems, including potential disruptions to regional monsoon patterns.There is also the risk of 'termination shock,' where a sudden halt in geoengineering activities could lead to an extremely rapid and potentially catastrophic spike in global temperatures. Ethical debates also focus on the 'moral hazard' argument, suggesting that the prospect of a technical fix might weaken the political resolve to reduce carbon emissions.Navigating the governance of such a global-scale technology remains a complex challenge, as decisions made by one nation could affect the climate of the entire planet. International cooperation is therefore essential to prevent unilateral actions that could have unforeseen global consequences.