We've got a bad news and good news to share with you today! 

If you have been eyeing the latest news, you would know— Mount Fuji has experienced a snowless October in 130 years! Isn't that scary? Glaciers are melting at rapid speed, the pollution index isn't improving and the greenhouse gasses? They're just getting worse day by day! 

That's the bad news. The good news is— 

Science and technology have discovered a sparkling solution to this climate issue with diamonds! 

Let's understand how…

How Diamonds Can Help Reduce Global Warming? 

Ever heard of sprinkling stardust on Earth? Well, the time is near when we can sprinkle diamond dust into space! 

Literally! A team of climatologists, meteorologists, and Earth scientists at ETH Zurich have proposed a rather unconventional solution: shooting millions of tons of diamond dust to reflect sunlight back into space. This technique, known as solar geoengineering, involves injecting reflective particles into the stratosphere to cool the planet.

While the idea might sound like something out of a sci-fi movie, it's grounded in solid scientific research. Diamonds possess unique properties that make them ideal for this task. They're highly reflective, durable, and chemically inert, ensuring they remain in the atmosphere for an extended period without causing harm.

And no, it's not a sudden finding! Scientists have been researching different climate models to figure out the perfect element for the purpose. For example: Volcanic eruptions naturally release sulfur dioxide, which can cause a temporary cooling effect on Earth. While sulfur dioxide has been considered a potential candidate for solar geoengineering, artificially injecting sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere carries significant risks including : acid rain, ozone layer damage, and potential disruption to weather patterns.

To explore cleaner and more effective alternatives, researchers investigated various materials, including calcite, diamond, aluminum, silicon carbide, anatase, and rutile.  They created a 3D model to evaluate these materials based on their light-reflecting properties, atmospheric residence time, and potential for clumping.

And guess what? — Diamond emerged as the G.O.A.T! 

They are highly reflective and chemically inert, meaning they won't react with other atmospheric components. By strategically releasing diamond dust into the stratosphere, scientists believe we could reduce global temperatures by up to 1.6 degrees Celsius over 50 years!

But Isn't It Too Expensive To Be True? 

Unfortunately, it is! 

You'll be stunned: The cost of producing and distributing the required quantity of even synthetic diamonds would be staggering, with estimates reaching as high as $200 trillion— double the global economy in 2023! 

While this idea holds immense promise, the practical challenges are substantial. The primary hurdle is the exorbitant cost of producing and dispersing such a large quantity of diamonds. However, as technology advances and production costs decrease, this approach could become more feasible.

Implications for the Diamond Industry

While the primary focus of this research is on climate mitigation, it could have unforeseen consequences for the diamond industry. If diamond dust becomes a viable solution for climate engineering, the demand for synthetic diamonds could skyrocket. But why synthetic diamonds you ask? Well, for such an eco-sustainable project, no way we can harm the planet by mining natural diamonds. 

Natural diamond mining causes: 

• Deforestation and habitat destruction
• Water pollution and contamination of water sources
• Soil erosion and land degradation
• Air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions
• Disruption of local ecosystems and biodiversity loss
• Poor working conditions and low wages for miners
• Human rights abuses, including child labor and forced labour 
• Displacement of local communities
• Conflict diamonds (known as "blood diamonds") and funding of armed conflicts 
• Negative impact on indigenous communities and their livelihoods
• High energy consumption and water usage
• Infrastructure development and maintenance costs
• Environmental remediation and restoration costs
  
  

Also read: https://www.angara.in/blogs/diamond/lab-grown-diamonds-a-planet-friendly-and-affordable-luxury

Hence, this could lead to increased production and, potentially, lower prices for both natural and synthetic diamonds.

And even if this project seems like a far-fetched reality, as consumers of fine jewellery, we can still contribute to sustainability with Lab alternatives. By choosing Lab-grown diamond jewellery over natural diamonds we cause: 

• Minimal to no mining, reducing deforestation, land degradation, and water pollution.
• Lower carbon footprint compared to traditional mining processes.
• No involvement in conflict zones or human rights abuses.
• Transparent supply chain with traceable origins.
• Preserves natural diamond resources for future generations.
• Reduces the demand for mined diamonds, mitigating the environmental impact of mining operations.
• Controlled laboratory environment minimizes waste and energy consumption.
• Potential for recycling and repurposing lab-grown diamonds.
• Lower production costs can lead to more affordable diamond jewellery.
  
  

Also read: https://www.angara.in/blogs/buying-guide/lab-grown-diamonds-are-revolutionising-the-bridal-jewellery-market-heres-how

At Angara, we believe in the power of diamonds to bring joy and beauty to people's lives. Whether it's a classic solitaire engagement ring or a dazzling pair of diamond earrings, our jewellery is crafted with the finest diamonds and gemstones, both natural and lab-grown. And while we're not solving climate change, we are committed to ethical and sustainable practices.

So, while scientists explore innovative solutions to global warming, you can enjoy the timeless beauty of diamonds, knowing that your purchase supports responsible and sustainable practices.

Fascinating already? Head to our website to discover the perfect blend of style and sustainability!