the-independent.com
British scientists could experiment with techniques to block sunlight as part of a £50 million government funded scheme to combat global warming.
The geo-engineering project is set to be given the go-ahead within weeks and could see scientists explore techniques including launching clouds of reflective particles into the atmosphere or using seawater sprays to make clouds brighter.
It’s thought to be a relatively cheap way to cool the planet, but critics have warned it could cause catastrophic disruption to weather patterns and even shift rain from areas that are vital for food production.
The project will be funded by the Advanced Research and Invention Agency, known as ARIA.
The government has set aside £50 million for the controversial experiment, but in total it has been given £800 million of taxpayers’ money to use over the next four years.
Professor Mark Symes, the programme director for ARIA, who is heading the geo-engineering project, said: “Decarbonisation is vital, but our current progress puts us at risk of triggering a large number of temperature-induced climate tipping points.