A plan is underway to spray ultrafine silica (silicon dioxide) particles into the stratosphere to slow global warming. The method uses silica to reflect solar particles, reducing the amount of solar energy reaching the Earth's surface.
According to U.S. online media outlet Politico on Tuesday, startup Stardust Solutions has unveiled the core technology it had been developing in secret.
The disclosed core technology consists of amorphous silica particles measuring 0.5 microns in size. Stardust is planning to scatter these particles, visible only under a microscope, into the stratosphere at an altitude of about 18 kilometers above the ground to reflect part of the sun's rays. The particles fall back to the ground after blocking sunlight. The company is also developing particles infused with calcium carbonate to further enhance the effect of blocking solar radiation.
"For governments to consider solar reflection technology, scientific proof that the technology is safe, practical, and controllable is essential," CEO Yanai Yedvab said. "This technology disclosure is an important step toward that goal."
Stardust is known as a leading player in the field of "solar geoengineering," which artificially blocks sunlight before it reaches the Earth.
However, criticism has emerged over private companies leading the development of technologies that adjust the Earth's climate. Hannah Safford, who served as a White House climate policy adviser during the Biden administration, pointed out that "it is dangerous for the same entity developing technology that could affect the entire world to simultaneously take on the role of regulator."
