Research into whether the sun could be dimmed to combat global warming will be given the go-ahead by the government within weeks and £50 million is expected to be spent on experiments and analysis.
The geo-engineering techniques that will be explored include spraying aerosolised particles high into the stratosphere to deflect a small fraction of the sun’s energy away from the Earth.
Early modelling studies have suggested that this may cool the planet relatively cheaply. Advocates have pointed to natural experiments in which emissions of such particles through volcanic eruptions led to the Earth cooling. However, experts have warned of possible unintended consequences, including the potentially catastrophic disruption of weather patterns.
A wildfire in the Netherlands. Such fires are becoming more common as the planet warms
ROB ENGELAAR/AFP/GETTY IMAGES
Other geo-engineering techniques that will be looked at include “marine cloud brightening” — spraying
