Californian startup Make Sunsets launched weather balloons filled with sulfur dioxide into the stratosphere two years ago. The experiment aimed to test if releasing sulfur could reflect sunlight back into space and help cool the planet. This concept is a branch of geoengineering, which involves deliberate efforts to alter Earth’s systems to mitigate climate change effects.
Make Sunsets’ test was controversial due to the unknown consequences of widespread application. The scientific community generally agrees such field tests should be approached with extreme caution. Despite the controversy, attitudes toward geoengineering are shifting.
The UK government’s Advanced Research and Invention Agency recently announced a £57 million fund for geoengineering field tests. Some venture capitalists are also warming to the idea. Madrid-based investor Maex Ament says, “Venture capital is meant to be about these crazy bets that drive humanity forward, not about a pizza delivery app that brings my stuff five minutes quicker.” Ament plans to discuss geoengineering at upcoming startup events.
Most proposed geoengineering methods aim to reduce the amount of sunlight hitting Earth. Techniques include releasing aerosol particles, injecting salt water into clouds, deploying structures in space to block the sun’s rays, or thinning clouds to allow more heat to escape. Proponents argue these methods deserve study because global temperatures have surpassed targets set by international bodies.
Geoengineering tests with weather balloons
Critics claim geoengineering does not address the root causes of climate change and could disrupt weather patterns. The European Commission’s scientific advisers called for a halt to geoengineering experiments, citing significant risks.
However, multiple startups are pushing ahead. Israeli startup StarDust is developing a novel molecule believed to be more effective than sulfur at reflecting sunlight. US startup Reflect Orbital aims to deploy mirrors for a similar purpose.
European endeavors in geoengineering are still in their infancy. French startup Gama Space is working on a solar shade, while UK-based Real Ice and Dutch Arctic Reflections focus on thickening sea ice to increase its reflectivity. Nick David, a London-based investor at US VC Starship Ventures, supports geoengineering but acknowledges the financial risks for VCs.
Ament believes there is a viable VC case, arguing that injecting sunlight-reflecting molecules could be relatively inexpensive compared to the cooling benefits. Others, like Alistair Duffey, a PhD student at University College London, argue that geoengineering should remain within government control to avoid misaligned incentives. Angel investor Matt Blythe suggests the most prudent investments are in technologies that support geoengineering, such as those for monitoring and observations.
The discussion about geoengineering, its methods, and its ethical implications continues to evolve. As governments and private sponsors invest in and explore these technologies, the balance of scientific caution, economic feasibility, and ethical considerations remains critical.
