The small startup Make Sunsets, known for its controversial solar geoengineering experiments, announced it would pause its operations following a crackdown by the Mexican government.
The company, founded by serial inventor Luke Iseman and co-founder Andrew Song, had been exploring a method of cooling the Earth by releasing sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere with weather balloons.
Solar geoengineering, a concept dating back to the 1960s, has gained renewed attention due to escalating climate change concerns. This technique involves reflecting sunlight away from the Earth to counteract global warming.
The U.S. White House is coordinating a five-year research initiative on the topic, and the Montreal Protocol, which traditionally governs ozone-depleting substances, recently included a chapter on geoengineering in its quadrennial assessment.
Make Sunsets aimed to deploy three balloons in January to release sulfur dioxide. However, the Mexican government’s abrupt move to ban solar geoengineering experiments has put these plans on hold.
Startup’s Pause Reflects Growing Scrutiny and Need for Regulation in Solar GeoengineeringThe government cited the absence of international agreements and the potential risks of such technologies, including economic advantages for a few and uncertain climate benefits.
In response to the ban, Make Sunsets issued a blog post acknowledging its hasty approach and expressing support for more comprehensive scientific and regulatory oversight. The startup’s backer, BoostVC’s Brayton Williams, downplayed the setback, emphasizing that overcoming obstacles is part of working with early-stage ventures.
Kelly Wanser, executive director of SilverLining, supported Mexico’s decision, highlighting the need for careful scientific evaluation and governance of climate intervention technologies.
Both Wanser and Make Sunsets advocate for thorough research on sunlight reflection technologies, recognizing their potential to mitigate global warming while also acknowledging the need for caution regarding their impacts.
As the global community grapples with climate change, the debate over solar geoengineering underscores the urgency of balancing innovative solutions with rigorous oversight and international cooperation.