Geoengineering experiments to dim sunlight may soon begin in the fight against climate change

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 ... Read full article.