Cloud brightening experiment in California temporarily stopped

Local officials in California have halted a cloud brightening experiment due to potential health concerns, as researchers tested a technology to combat global warming by reflecting sunlight.

Christopher Flavelle reports for The New York Times.

In short:

• The University of Washington researchers were using a device to spray sea-salt particles on the U.S.S. Hornet to increase cloud reflectivity.
• The experiment began on April 2 and was the first of its kind conducted outdoors in the U.S.
• Alameda city officials demanded a halt on May 4, requesting further review of the experiment's health and environmental impacts.

Why this matters:

Geoengineering solutions like cloud brightening are being considered to manage the Earth's temperature amidst rising global greenhouse gas emissions. While offering potential short-term relief, they also pose significant scientific and ethical questions, emphasizing the ongoing struggle to balance technological intervention with natural climate solutions.

Related EHN coverage:

• Solar geoengineering: Scientists decry a 'foolish' idea
• Pete Myers: The existential trap of solar geoengineering
• US Senate science advisor talks geoengineering from high in the sky