Скачать или смотреть UK Scientists Want to Fight Climate Change by Dimming the Sun

Scientists in the UK are preparing to test a bold and controversial method to combat global warming by dimming sunlight. This strategy, known as solar radiation management (SRM), aims to cool the planet temporarily by reflecting a portion of sunlight back into space.

The UK government is expected to announce up to £50 million in funding for SRM research, following a £10 million commitment from the National Environment Research Council (NERC) on April 3. These efforts are being led by Professor Mark Symes, head of the government’s advanced research agency, Aria. He stated that the program would begin with “small controlled outdoor experiments” to test various techniques.

Proposed methods include releasing tiny aerosols into the upper atmosphere or brightening clouds to increase their reflectivity. These experiments are designed to be safe, reversible, and non-toxic, with strict controls in place. “Models can only tell us so much,” Symes noted, emphasizing the importance of real-world data in guiding policy decisions.

The urgency of these experiments is underscored by alarming climate data. 2024 was the hottest year on record, with average global temperatures surpassing the 1.5°C threshold set by the Paris Agreement. January 2025 was even hotter, reaching 1.75°C above pre-industrial levels.

With greenhouse gas emissions still rising, experts fear that conventional strategies may not be enough to avoid catastrophic tipping points. In addition to field tests, Aria will also fund lab experiments, computer modeling, and public opinion research on geoengineering.