A Startup's Bid to Dim the Sun
a day ago
- #startup
- #climate-change
- #geoengineering
- Stardust, an Israeli startup, aims to combat global warming by developing reflective particles to dim the sun, inspired by volcanic eruptions.
- The company has raised $60 million in venture capital to develop a dispersal system for stratospheric particle deployment.
- Stardust positions itself as a technology enabler, providing tools for governments rather than deploying the technology itself.
- Global climate efforts have failed to meet targets, with temperatures exceeding 1.5°C, making geoengineering a debated necessity.
- Solar geoengineering could have severe side effects, including disrupted weather patterns and regional conflicts over climate impacts.
- The technology requires continuous deployment to avoid 'termination shock,' a sudden temperature rise if particles are not replenished.
- Geoengineering does not address the root cause of climate change—CO2 emissions—but only mitigates temperature effects.
- The rapid advancement of technology contrasts with stagnant global institutions, increasing the appeal of techno-fixes like geoengineering.