Effect of attenuating incident solar IR bands on the greenhouse effect

Determine the effect on Earth’s greenhouse effect of selectively attenuating the incident solar radiation in the 4.3 μm and 15 μm bands, as proposed via CO2-filled transparent vessels deployed in geostationary orbit, by quantifying the net impact on radiative transfer and resulting climate response.

Background

The paper proposes geostationary containers filled with CO2 that absorb incoming solar radiation at the 4.3 μm and 15 μm bands. Using radiative transfer equations and absorption coefficients, the authors estimate feasible attenuation levels and discuss how thermalization could prevent re-emission, aiming to reduce net greenhouse effects.

Despite these considerations, the authors explicitly state that the overall climatic effect of depleting these IR wavelengths from the incoming solar spectrum remains to be thoroughly studied. This uncertainty motivates a clear, focused research question on quantifying the net impact of such attenuation on Earth’s greenhouse effect.