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Initiative bets on technologies such as stratospheric aerosols to reflect solar radiation and mitigate extreme climate change
The UK is set to launch an ambitious geoengineering project to tackle the climate crisis. With an initial investment of £50 million, about US$62 million, the government intends to test techniques capable of reflecting sunlight and cooling the planet.
Experiment inspired by volcanic eruptions
In the coming weeks, a team of scientists plans to release aerosolized particles into the stratosphere. The strategy is based on phenomena natural, such as volcanic eruptions, which have already demonstrated the ability to temporarily reduce global temperatures.
According to Agency for Advanced Research and Invention (Aria), the tests will be small, rigorously evaluated and will serve to collect real-world physical data. The initiative seeks to better understand the potential of geoengineering in combating global warming.
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The teacher Mark Symes, responsible for the program, says that although modeling and laboratory studies are useful, they have limitations. “We need real data to know whether these approaches can work and what effects they could have”, He explained.
Symes also assured that no toxic substances will be released during the experiments. In addition, the project includes an environmental impact assessment and consultations with local communities before any practical action is taken.
Controversies and risks of geoengineering
Despite enthusiasm from some in the scientific community, geoengineering remains a highly controversial topic. Previous open-air experimental projects have been canceled after strong public opposition.
The main concerns revolve around unintended risks. Experts warn that changing the amount of sunlight could affect precipitation patterns, with direct impacts on agriculture and ecosystems.
There are also concerns that the search for technological solutions will reduce pressure on the main cause of global warming: the burning of fossil fuels. Many researchers say it is crucial that geoengineering does not replace efforts to reduce emissions.
Professor Symes acknowledged these dilemmas. “The uncomfortable truth is that our current warming trajectory makes multiple climate tipping points possible in the coming decades,” he said. He argued that it is therefore important to investigate alternatives, even with all due caution.
UK advances in geoengineering research
In addition to the Aria project, the UK's National Environmental Research Council (NERC) has announced a parallel £10 million, or about $12 million, program to further study geoengineering.
In this case, the focus will be on analyzing existing data and computational modeling. No outdoor tests are planned, only simulations based on natural events such as volcanic eruptions and changes in ship emissions.
Kate Hamer, director of NERC, stressed that the goal is to produce robust scientific evidence, without promoting or condemning the use of geoengineering.
The UK's investment could position the country as a global leader in funding such initiatives.
So far, the resources allocated to geoengineering worldwide are modest, totaling only a few hundred million dollars.
Historically, the United States has been the largest funder of such studies. However, under Donald Trump, opposition to climate research has affected the volume of support. This scenario opens up space for the United Kingdom to take a leading role in this scientific field.
