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illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The Economist or enjoy below:
🗞️ Driving the news: The UK has emerged as the largest public funder of solar geoengineering research, supporting projects aimed at thickening Arctic sea ice and increasing cloud reflectivity to cool the planet
• These efforts fall under the controversial umbrella of solar radiation modification (SRM), which seeks to reflect sunlight away from Earth to reduce global warming
🔭 The context: Solar geoengineering has long divided scientists and policymakers
• While most models agree it could lower temperatures, the field remains highly contentious due to the potential for unpredictable climate disruptions, such as altered rainfall patterns and cross-border environmental impacts
• Until recently, research in this space was largely led by the US and China, with limited public funding and oversight
• Britain's growing role reflects a shift towards more structured, government-backed exploration of SRM solutions
🌍 Why it matters for the planet: With global emissions still rising and climate targets increasingly at risk, SRM is gaining traction as a last-resort option to mitigate severe warming
• Its affordability and global cooling potential are compelling to some, but critics warn it could deter emissions reductions and introduce irreversible environmental consequences
• As the UK ramps up funding, concerns about international governance, ethical boundaries, and long-term impacts grow sharper
⏭️ What's next: Britain’s expanded investment is likely to accelerate experimental field trials and academic work on solar geoengineering
• This could push multilateral dialogues on governance frameworks, especially through UN bodies or the Convention on Biological Diversity
• Policymakers will need to weigh the risks of deployment against the urgent need for climate interventions, potentially prompting global guidelines on transparency, testing, and public consent
💬 One quote: “Researching these technologies doesn’t mean endorsing them — it means preparing for a world that may need every option on the table.” — Climate policy advisor (paraphrased)
📈 One stat: Solar geoengineering could reduce global temperatures by up to 1.5°C if deployed at scale, but may require continuous application for decades to maintain its effect
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