Experiments to dim the sun set to be approved within weeks
The government is set to give the go-ahead within weeks for scientists to experiment whether the sun could be dimmed to combat global warming.
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As much as £50m is expected to be spent on the experiments and analysis.
The methods could involve spraying aerosolised particles high into the stratosphere to deflect a small fraction of the sun’s energy away from the Earth. Studies have suggested that this may cool the planet relatively cheaply.
Another method being looked at is brightening clouds to reflect sunshine.
However, experts have warned of possible unintended consequences including potentially catastrophic disruptions of weather patterns.
The experiments will be funded by the Advanced Research and Invention Agency, or Aria. It has set aside £50 million for geo-engineering research.
Professor Mark Symes, the programme director for Aria, said the research could include “small controlled outdoor experiments on particular approaches”.
Professor Symes said: "We will be announcing who we have given funding to in a few weeks and when we do so, we will be making clear when any outdoor experiments might be taking place.
"One of the missing pieces in this debate was physical data from the real world. Models can only tell us so much.
“Everything we do is going to be safe by design. We’re absolutely committed to responsible research, including responsible outdoor research.
“We have strong requirements around the length of time experiments can run for and their reversibility and we won’t be funding the release of any toxic substances to the environment.”
Experts are hopeful that successful, methods could be scaled up and implemented within 10 years.