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Newsletter
Environmental Defense Fund to research artificial cooling methods

Environmental Defense Fund to research artificial cooling methods

The Environmental Defense Fund will invest in exploring technologies that could artificially cool the planet, reflecting sunlight into space as a way to combat rising global temperatures.

Christopher Flavelle reports for The New York Times.

In short:

  • The Environmental Defense Fund plans to fund research on solar geoengineering, a method for reflecting sunlight away from Earth.
  • The research aims to understand the potential global impacts of these technologies, such as changes in precipitation and ocean currents.
  • Despite controversy and skepticism, including from within environmental groups, the fund will start issuing grants this fall.

Key quote:

“We are not in favor, period, of deployment. That’s not our goal here. Our goal is information, and solid, well-formulated science.”

— Lisa Dilling, associate chief scientist at EDF

Why this matters:

As global temperatures continue to rise, innovative solutions like solar geoengineering may offer temporary relief. Supporters argue that, with global warming accelerating, it's essential to have a range of strategies on the table. Reflecting sunlight to cool the Earth could buy valuable time, helping to mitigate the worst effects of climate change while longer-term solutions are implemented.

Opponents worry about the unknown risks and ethical implications of manipulating our planet’s climate system. There's also the fear that such technological fixes could detract from efforts to cut emissions at the source.

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Newsletter
Local officials end cloud brightening experiment in Alameda, California

Local officials end cloud brightening experiment in Alameda, California

Alameda's city council has voted to halt a pioneering cloud-brightening experiment aimed at combating climate change.

Corbin Hiar reported for E&E News earlier this week on why the vote has implications beyond one single community.

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Cloud brightening experiment in California temporarily stopped

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.

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Newsletter
Eclipse puts US power grid to the test

Eclipse puts US power grid to the test

As the U.S. prepares for a solar eclipse on April 8, the event poses a unique challenge for the nation's solar-powered energy grid, potentially affecting millions.

Umair Irfan reports for Vox.

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Newsletter
Sun's rays deflection test marks a climate change mitigation milestone

Sun's rays deflection test marks a climate change mitigation milestone

Scientists conducted the first outdoor test in the U.S. of a technology aimed at brightening clouds to reflect sunlight away from the Earth.

Christopher Flavelle reports for The New York Times.

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Newsletter
geoengineering

Tribal concerns rise as solar geoengineering experiments advance

Recent solar geoengineering experiments in Nevada, involving sulfur dioxide balloon releases, have sparked significant tribal consent issues, highlighting a growing conflict in climate intervention strategies.

Hilary Beaumont reports for High Country News.

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Credit: Paha_L/Big Stock Photo

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