A futuristic geoengineering proposal might be easier to accomplish in the real world than scientists previously thought.
New research suggests that a planet-cooling strategy known as solar radiation management is already possible with existing commercial airplanes. Until now, many experts suggested the technology probably would require specialized high-altitude aircraft. And assembling a large enough fleet of these machines could take a decade or more.
The new study, published Monday in the scientific journal Earth’s Future, makes the case that solar geoengineering — currently a hypothetical strategy — could overcome the vehicle hurdle without a major technological leap.
But the concept remains deeply controversial among both scientists and climate activists. And the new study’s authors cautioned the strategy needs more study before world leaders move forward.
