The article reviews five historical geoengineering proposals, from Herman Sörgel's Atlantropa plan to Soviet attempts to modify nature and Project Znamya's "second moon." These ambitious, often absurd, ideas highlight humanity's long-standing desire to reshape the planet, with current scientists considering technological interventions for the climate crisis.
A UK company, VolcanoTech, has developed a low-cost air quality sensor using a modified smartphone camera and Raspberry Pi. These sensors detect sulphur dioxide, a key indicator of imminent volcanic eruptions, and are being deployed in countries like Ecuador and Indonesia, offering a cheaper alternative to existing systems.
Top Indian fertiliser companies have collectively tendered to buy 5,93,500 metric tonnes of sulphur, a key component for phosphatic fertilisers. This move signals preparedness for ongoing global supply disruptions and rising prices, particularly due to the West Asia conflict.
As the US-Israel war in Iran drags into its third month, sulphuric acid – a chemical ingredient critical for fertiliser production and metal processing that has seldom grabbed global headlines – has become a keenly watched commodity. The military conflict in the Gulf and the effective blockage of the Strait of Hormuz initially triggered a squeeze on sulphuric acid, with prices on the rise after shipments in the region – which accounts for a quarter of global production – were largely stalled...
China is reportedly planning to effectively suspend sulphuric acid exports by May 2026 to prioritize domestic fertiliser production and food security amid global supply chain risks in the Strait of Hormuz.
