Skip to main content

Could this massive, wind-powered skyscraper solve global warming?

wind powered skyscrapers could cool entire planet paolo1
Paolo Venturella Architecture
To help solve the ongoing (and growing) crisis of global warming, there are constructive ideas and then there are downright insane concepts. Given this inherent threshold, it’s not the least bit of a stretch to say that a project dubbed the Global Cooling Skyscraper conceived by the Rome-based firm Paolo Venturella Architecture falls squarely within the confines of the latter group. Why do we say this? Because the firm wants to construct an incredibly large (and we mean large) greenhouse to install between Earth and the sun. Seriously.

By claiming the only way to solve the riddle of global rising temperatures is by adopting a “global strategy,” Paolo Venturella says its Global Cooling Skyscraper is among a small crowd of innovative ideas that actually provide a solution. Equating it to functioning in a similar manner as a solar tower, the skyscraper would effectively cool the entire planet by facilitating the natural rapid flow of air from hot to cold. In essence, the continued strong flow of air would send hot air away from Earth, thus decreasing the overall temperature experienced across the globe.

“The air flows restore better climate conditions and moreover, generate renewable energies by wind turbines placed inside the structures,” reads the Paolo Venturella project page. “Furthermore, this structure creates an amazing and surprising effect. Since it has to solve a problem for the entire planet, its dimension is over scaled. It has to be a unique and continuous structure, placed in a single point, and cantilever on both sides.”

Aside from its efforts to lower the planet’s temperatures, the Global Cooling Skyscraper also figures to look rather futuristic — or Borg-like, if we’re being honest. Furthermore, the structure itself would look wildly different depending on where an onlooker was located around Earth. For instance, those residing near either the north or south pole see a vertical building while anyone situated near the equator sees a horizontal structure.

Is this the revolutionary answer to solving climate change? Likely not, as most concepts as wildly off-the-charts as the Global Cooling Skyscraper tend to never see the light of day. Though you can’t deny the sheer amount of remarkable imagination required to devise such an unconventional solution.

Editors' Recommendations

Rick Stella
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Rick became enamored with technology the moment his parents got him an original NES for Christmas in 1991. And as they say…
This Wi-Fi robot vacuum is discounted from $199 to $79
The iHome AutoVac Juno robot vacuum cleaning the floor.

Robot vacuum deals are consistently getting cheaper it seems, with it now possible to buy a robot vacuum for just $79. That’s the case at Walmart with the iHome AutoVac Juno Robot Vacuum down to $79 for a limited time. It usually costs $199 so you’re saving a huge $120 off the regular price making now the perfect time to upgrade to all the convenience that comes from having a robot vacuum. Keen to learn more? Let’s take a look.

Why you should buy the iHome AutoVac Juno Robot Vacuum
You won’t see iHome feature in our look at the best robot vacuums but that’s not to say that there aren’t benefits to buying such a cheap robot vacuum today. With the iHome AutoVac Juno Robot Vacuum, you get up to 2,000pa of strong suction power with up to 100 minutes of runtime ensuring that plenty can be accomplished.

Read more
The Narwal Freo X Plus is an entry-level robot vacuum loaded with premium features
The Freo X Plus vacuuming pet hair.

Narwal launched the Freo X Ultra earlier this year, and we found it to be an exceptional robot vacuum and mop combo -- though its $1,400 price tag made it a luxury item for most shoppers. Thankfully, many of the Freo X Ultra's best features can be found on the newly launched Narwal Freo X Plus, which offers an affordable alternative to the flagship vacuum and mop combo.

The Freo X Plus should be much more appealing to frugal shoppers, as it clocks in at just $400. That's a full $1,000 cheaper than the Ultra, yet it still holds up to seven weeks of dust, can lift its mopping plate when traveling on carpet, and produces up to 7,800 Pa of suction to pull out dirt and debris from your carpets. It can even apply 6 Newton units of downward pressure while mopping, allowing it to tackle tough stains with ease.

Read more
Samsung’s new Smart Refrigerators are already discounted
samsung smart refrigerator deal may 2022 last chance bespoke 4 door french feature

For great refrigerator deals, go straight to the source and buy Samsung’s latest Smart Refrigerators for a great discount. As part of its Spring Black Friday sale, Samsung has discounted six different smart refrigerators with up to $1,200 off some of them. If you’ve been waiting to buy a new refrigerator and you want to invest in a high-end smart refrigerator, this is your chance to do so while saving substantial sums of money. The best thing to do is click the button below to see for yourself what’s on sale. Alternatively, read on and we’ll take you through what we know.

What to shop for in the Samsung smart refrigerator sale
Samsung easily makes some of the best smart refrigerators around so you simply can’t go wrong with whatever you buy. One immediately tempting option is the . It usually costs $4,214 but it’s down to $3,199 as part of this sale. It has changeable door panels which feature the Beverage Zone with two temperature settings which are perfect for drinks and desserts. There’s a choice of an internal dispenser or a built-in AutoFill Water Pitcher. The fridge has a modern design which blends into any kitchen while its automatically opening doors work through a simple, light touch of the sensor, saving you from needing to juggle too much at once. You can also customize the lower-right storage space to be a refrigerator or freezer with five adjustable temperature settings.

Read more