Why it matters: As global temperatures continue to rise, some scientists have suggested studying geoengineering as an alternative method of fighting climate change. A UK government agency is taking early steps in that direction, but even discussing the strategy – let alone implementing it – is controversial for numerous reasons.
The United Kingdom’s Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA) will soon announce experiments to test the theory that altering Earth’s clouds can help counteract the effects of climate change. The government agency states it is studying geoengineering with extreme caution, but many consider the field a dangerous distraction amid the fight against global warming.
ARIA will devote £50 million ($66.5 million) to funding various small-scale outdoor experiments to explore the effects of spreading aerosols into clouds. Over the last few decades, numerous proposals have theorized that aerosols might brighten clouds, causing them to reflect more sunlight and cool the planet.
The agency will disclose details on the experiments in the coming weeks, including specific dates and durations for outdoor tests. ARIA will also ensure that any effects are reversible and won’t release toxic substances.
If the experiments are successful, experts estimate they could be implemented on a larger scale within a decade. Additionally, ARIA plans to fund indoor experiments, new climate modeling studies, monitoring initiatives, and studies to measure public opinion regarding geoengineering.
Opponents fear artificially altering the atmosphere might cause unintended side effects, potentially impacting rainfall and agriculture. However, advocates argue that experiments are necessary to at least gauge the potential outcomes and move the discussion surrounding geoengineering beyond theory.
There is scant physical evidence to support the strategy as worth investigating. Substances emitted from ships, aircraft, and volcanic eruptions have brightened clouds and caused mild cooling. Other geoengineering methods include thickening polar glaciers to increase the Earth’s albedo, promoting algae growth in the ocean, or using sea foam, but some have met fierce rejection.
Others suggest that mentioning unproven geoengineering methods could create political excuses to slow or halt emissions reductions. Last year was the hottest year on record, breaking the record set the prior year and exceeding 1.5 °C above preindustrial temperatures – the boundary set for the Paris climate agreement. Scientists agree that drastic emissions reductions are needed to prevent the worst effects of climate change, but some argue that the time for exploring drastic measures has arrived.