Government rules out plan to block out the sun after warning of severe' risks

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"The British government has rejected the use of solar geoengineering, saying it has no plans to deploy controversial techniques designed to block sunlight and artificially cool the planet. In an official response to the parliamentary Environmental Audit Committee, the government said it opposed Solar Radiation Management, often described as sun dimming, and confirmed that Britain wouldn't pursue its deployment in Antarctica or elsewhere."

"The statement came after the committee called for clarity on the UK position, warning that experiments being considered in the country such as using balloons to release dust into the atmosphere or spraying seawater to brighten clouds risked setting a dangerous precedent. Geoengineering refers to deliberate interventions in the planet's climate system like brightening clouds with seawater sprays, releasing reflective particles into the upper atmosphere, or thinning cirrus clouds that trap heat."

The Independent solicits donations to fund on-the-ground reporting across issues like reproductive rights, climate change and Big Tech while keeping content free of paywalls. The British government has formally rejected solar geoengineering and stated it has no plans to deploy Solar Radiation Management, including in Antarctica. The response followed parliamentary concerns that proposed experiments, such as releasing dust with balloons or spraying seawater to brighten clouds, could set a dangerous precedent. Geoengineering includes interventions like cloud brightening, releasing reflective particles, or thinning cirrus clouds; proponents see temporary benefits, while critics warn of significant risks.

Read at www.independent.co.uk