According to a research document published on the White House website, the Biden administration is open to exploring methods of reducing sunlight as a way to address the impacts of global warming.
The document, released by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, was commissioned by Congress and focuses on investigating “geoengineering” techniques to mitigate the warming effects caused by the sun.
“Geoengineering” refers to deliberate large-scale interventions in Earth’s natural systems to counteract climate change, as defined by the University of Oxford.
The research paper, titled “Congressionally-Mandated Report on Solar Radiation Modification,” reveals that the Biden administration is studying geoengineering techniques such as “stratospheric aerosol injection (SAI) and marine cloud brightening.” The report also mentions research on “cirrus cloud thinning.”
The report acknowledges that “space-based approaches” have been overlooked in favor of atmospheric methods due to their relative simplicity and feasibility in the near term.
It is important to note that this document is solely a research plan and does not represent official government policy.
The report emphasizes that its main focus is to enhance understanding of the potential effects of solar radiation modification (SRM), rather than the technology required for implementation. The findings from SRM research and the understanding of fundamental climatic dynamics could significantly contribute to this field.
The summary suggests that a research program examining the scientific and societal implications of SRM would facilitate informed decision-making regarding the risks and benefits of incorporating SRM into climate policy.
While the document does not explicitly state that it will pave the way for future government or corporate initiatives in this field, it acknowledges that such a program could help the United States prepare for the potential deployment of SRM by other public or private entities.
The White House issued an additional statement reassuring the public that there are currently no plans to establish a comprehensive research program specifically focused on solar radiation modification.