US EditionUK scientists gain backing for controversial projects to artificially cool Earth
- UK scientists launched a £57 million government-funded initiative in 2025 to test geoengineering methods to cool Earth, including Arctic ice thickening and cloud brightening.
- This initiative follows sustained global warming, with 2024 temperatures 1.6°C above pre-industrial levels and concerns over accelerating Arctic ice loss and climate tipping points.
- The projects involve small-scale outdoor trials using weather balloons to carry dust and spraying seawater to brighten clouds or thicken Arctic ice, aiming to reflect more sunlight and slow warming.
- Professor Mike Hulme highlighted that allocating £57 million of public funds toward experimental technologies aimed at altering the Earth's climate represents a considerable investment, while others emphasize the importance of conducting controlled studies to validate these approaches.
- The research could inform future climate interventions but carries risks of unknown side-effects and ethical concerns about public fund use and possible large-scale deployment.
15 Articles
15 Articles
UK scientists gain backing for controversial projects to artificially cool Earth
Scientists in the UK have received government funding of almost €70 million to pursue geoengineering projects aimed at artificially cooling the Earth, in an attempt to slow the progression of climate change – but the projects are causing controversy in the scientific community.
UK plans to 'dim the sun' gets £57,000,000 funding - but what's the point?
Proposals to ‘dim the sun’ are gaining increased traction as temperatures worldwide increase (Picture: Getty Images) The process of ‘dimming the sun’ sounds like something from a dystopian film but this could be reality soon. A government backed body called the Advanced Research and Innovation Agency (ARIA) is funding £57million for it. But what is dimming the sun and what is the point of it? We take a look below. What is ‘dimming the sun’ and w…
Controversial geoengineering projects to trial Earth-cooling tech funded by UK agency
The Advanced Research and Invention Agency is investing £57 million to study climate-manipulating technologies, but says it is taking a cautious approach. The Advanced Research and Invention Agency is investing £57 million to study climate-manipulating technologies, but says it is taking a cautious approach.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources are Center
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
Ownership
To view ownership data please Upgrade to Vantage
