Scientists Warn About For-Profit Solar Geoengineering

Scientists have expressed growing concerns about the involvement of for-profit companies in the development of solar geoengineering technologies. This caution arises as Stardust, an American-Israeli startup, secures $60 million in funding to advance its climate-altering initiatives.

Solar geoengineering, also known as sunlight reflection methods (SRM), aims to cool the planet by increasing Earth's reflectivity. While the potential of SRM to mitigate climate change is significant, researchers argue that profit-driven motives could compromise the safety and ethical development of these technologies.

The Rise of For-Profit Geoengineering

Stardust's $60 million funding, the largest for a solar geoengineering startup, highlights the increasing interest in climate intervention technologies. However, this investment has sparked debate among scientists, who fear that for-profit entities may prioritize financial gains over responsible innovation.

Researchers David Keith and Daniele Visioni, in an opinion piece for MIT Technology Review, emphasize the need for publicly coordinated and transparently funded research. They argue that multilateral government discussions are essential to guide the development and deployment of SRM technologies.

Concerns About Profit-Driven Development

The involvement of private companies like Stardust raises concerns about biased lobbying and the promotion of potentially unsafe technologies. Scientists caution that the need for revenue generation could lead to the development of technologies that are not sufficiently tested or safe.

Keith and Visioni specifically challenge Stardust's claim of creating inert particles safe for the stratosphere. They argue that any material introduced into the stratosphere would inevitably alter its chemistry, potentially leading to unforeseen consequences.

The Need for Public Trust and Transparency

While innovation in SRM is crucial, scientists underscore the importance of public trust and equitable decision-making. They advocate for a shift away from for-profit ventures, which may not naturally foster these values.

The unique challenges of SRM demand a focus on transparency, public coordination, and ethical considerations. This approach, according to researchers, is essential to ensure that climate-altering technologies are developed responsibly and in the best interest of the planet.