As a senior chemist at Induron, I try to keep up with a wide range of research. I recently read an article in Paintsquare News entitled, “Can Paint Protect from Global Warming?” The article discussed the global warming problem and whether a balloon spouting stratospheric aerosols could work toward decreasing global warming. In essence, they want to paint the sky to keep some of the sun’s harmful rays out.
It’s an interesting thought, but with many possible drawbacks. But it got me thinking about things Induron is doing that might help the global warming issue.
I am not convinced that carbon dioxide is a huge problem with regards to global warming, but we do know it contributes. According to the IPCC report, methane is currently the bigger contributor. There is speculation that will change, but methane is definitely a problem.
Natural gas (methane) is the most efficient of the fossil fuels, but containing it is a problem. However, it is becoming more and more available as new methods of extraction have been discovered. And what’s the lowest-cost, lowest-loss method of transporting this potentially dangerous fuel? Pipelines.
Recently, Rafic Rohman, one of my fellow chemists, developed a pipe coating called Warrior 100. It can be applied in one coat and protects pipes being dragged underground for more than a mile, even in rocky soil. This protection prevents rusting, which would allow methane to leak from the pipe into the soil, making it a safer method of transport.
Painting pipelines would not seem to be impactful with regards to global warming. But on the same note, a small increase in the efficiency of a car engine would not seem to be either. These both have a small effect on overall warming, but it is through small incremental steps like these that we can truly solve global warming problems. It is fine for people to think of grandiose schemes like painting the sky with small particle of titanium dioxide, but I would prefer we protect it.
Founded in 1947, Induron manufactures high performance coatings that serve a range of industrial applications, including the wastewater, transmission and distribution and groundwater storage industries. Learn more about us at www.Induron.com.