Government rules out plan to block out the sun as scientists warn of ‘severe damage’ risks
Government confirms its stance on controversial ‘sun dimming’ after new report
- The British government has officially rejected the use of solar geoengineering, often termed "sun dimming," stating it has no plans to deploy controversial techniques designed to artificially cool the planet.
- This decision came in response to a call for clarity from the parliamentary Environmental Audit Committee and followed warnings from more than 40 polar scientists who deemed such ideas unrealistic, unaffordable, and environmentally damaging.
- The government confirmed its opposition to Solar Radiation Management, asserting that Britain would not pursue its deployment in Antarctica or elsewhere, aligning its stance with other nations.
- Despite this rejection, the government's Advanced Research and Invention Agency had previously allocated £50 million for exploratory geoengineering research, including proposals like thickening Arctic sea ice.
- Critics argue that these techniques carry significant environmental risks and could distract from the essential task of cutting greenhouse gas emissions, which the UK government maintains is its primary climate change priority.