Is it possible for a man-made EMP blast to happen on a global scale? (power, security)

[ghostee]

DISCLAIMER: Okay, before anyone jumps on me and says "OP is a mad evil terrorist!" or "Go join Islam!", I am none of that. This is a purely scientific question. Also, try to keep terrorism and other politically-motivated debate topics like national security out of this thread. This is purely a discussion on the science side of it.

But, whenever I hear of an EMP blast scenario I assume it would just be affecting a single country or landmass (at least as far as it goes if wasn't by a natural cause like a cosmic storm). But what would it take, theoretically, to achieve a man-made frying of our modern electronics and power grids on a global-wide scale?

[bg7]

Man-made? Nope - at least not currently.

[ocpaul20]

The superpowers have Tesla scalar technology which produces EMPs which is used for many different effects. Focused or non-focused and also protective uses too. I dont think you can talk about this kind of power without it being political and National Security is political anyway. Russia has had this technology since the 1970's.

[Schmooky]

EMPs are highly directional and have limited range. Just by the curve of the earth, alone, it couldn't happen on a global scale from a single source. Multiple targeted EMPS in a grid about 40 feet off the ground? Sure. A few selective targets like power plants, water systems, etc? You could cause effective societal paralysis for a few hours or days.

But in general EMPs are effective with specific targets in close range, and not well suited to something larger scale at present.

That's my .02

[Dude111]

Originally Posted by bg7

Man-made? Nope - at least not currently.

Scary to be bold and say that though .... THEY CAN DO STUFF WE CANT EVEN IMAGINE!!!!!!