Recently, the UK government approved an experiment involving geoengineering and donated 50 million pounds to support it. Geoengineering is newer idea to combat the forces of climate change and cool down our planet. Climate change being a nearer threat than ever, with tipping points being a possibility in the next century, a solution is more needed than ever.
Geoengineering is a method of preventing climate change that involves changing the atmosphere to reflect more of the sun’s light and heat back into space. There are three main methods of geoengineering:
- Releasing aerosol particles that reflect light back into space into the stratosphere through airplanes
- Reducing the lifespan of cirrus clouds to increase cooling in the troposphere
- Releasing aerosol particles through boats to increase the reflectivity of low clouds.
Geoengineering remains a highly controversial method of climate change intervention, and many past experiments involving it have been cancelled due to strong opposition. However, this real-world experiment is crucial as it will assess the potential of these new technologies, being the critical missing piece of the studies.
This experiment is currently small-scale to provide data, but not endanger many if tests go wrong. Before the experiment, researchers say that local communities will be consulted, no toxic substances will be released, and an environmental impact assessment will be conducted. Even after these precautions, however, the experiment could have unintended severe consequences, such as altering rainfall patterns important for agriculture, and reducing the urgency to address fossil fuels and other pollutants.
If all goes well, this experiment could provide a useful prevention method or temporary solution to climate change.
RELATED STORIES
- https://interestingengineering.com/science/uk-wants-to-dim-the-sun
- https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/apr/22/uk-scientists-outdoor-geoengineering-experiments
- https://www.lbc.co.uk/tech/experiments-to-dim-the-sun-set-to-be-approved-within-weeks/
- https://news.climate.columbia.edu/2024/04/24/solar-geoengineering-to-cool-the-planet-is-it-worth-the-risks/
- https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/block-sunlight-british-scientists-global-warming-b2740295.html
- https://www.climaterepair.cam.ac.uk/news/uk-fund-outdoor-experiments-solar-geoengineering
TAKE ACTION
