On September 23, 2026, it became known that politicians in the US and the European Union are privately considering the possibility of artificially reducing the brightness of the Sun through solar geoengineering methods. This information was published by the newspaper Politico, citing two former government officials.
What is Solar Geoengineering?
Solar geoengineering involves using technologies to alter the amount of sunlight reaching the Earth in order to combat global warming. However, such technologies were previously considered taboo among many environmental advocates due to their potential negative impact on the ozone layer, possible changes in weather patterns, and the risk of geopolitical conflicts.
Increase in Investment in Geoengineering
According to Politico, the surge in investments from Silicon Valley into startups engaged in solar geoengineering, such as Stardust Solutions, has led to the prospect of sunlight limitation becoming a reality. This indicates that technologies once deemed theoretical may now be implemented in practice.
Criticism and Risks
Despite the potential benefits, critics point out that such technologies do not address the root causes of global warming, particularly the reliance on fossil fuels like oil, gas, and coal. Therefore, it is crucial to consider all risks and consequences before implementing such solutions.