Trump EPA Targets Geoengineering Startup

The Potential and Controversy of Geoengineering

The continued reliance on fossil fuels has led to discussions about geoengineering – intentionally altering the Earth’s atmosphere to counteract the effects of global warming.

This practice remains highly debated. Some believe it represents a necessary intervention, given the delayed action on reducing carbon emissions. Conversely, others express concern about conducting a second, potentially uncontrolled experiment on the planet’s climate, alongside the existing impact of fossil fuel combustion.

Make Sunsets and EPA Scrutiny

Despite the controversy, research and experimentation continue. Make Sunsets, a startup, has recently attracted attention from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

The company, founded by two individuals from Silicon Valley, employs weather balloons to release hydrogen gas and sulfur dioxide particles into the upper atmosphere. Upon reaching altitudes exceeding 66,000 feet, these balloons burst, dispersing the particles.

These dispersed particles work to scatter and reflect sunlight, resulting in a slight cooling effect on the Earth. Make Sunsets offers “cooling credits” based on the estimated warming reduction achieved by each balloon release.

According to PitchBook, the startup has secured $750,000 in funding, with investors including Boost VC, Draper Associates, and Pioneer Fund.

The Science Behind the Approach

While the founders lack formal scientific backgrounds, the underlying principle – the impact of sulfur dioxide on solar reflectivity – is scientifically established.

An accidental demonstration of this effect occurred in 2020 when the sulfur content of marine shipping fuels was reduced, impacting the Earth’s albedo (average reflectivity).

Potential Risks and Unforeseen Consequences

However, the complexity of the global climate system raises concerns about potential unintended consequences. Altering atmospheric conditions could lead to regional shifts in precipitation patterns, potentially causing droughts in some areas and increased rainfall in others.

Several scientists have therefore advocated for a cautious approach to geoengineering. Furthermore, the descent of sulfur dioxide particles closer to the ground could exacerbate respiratory issues like asthma.

The EPA is currently investigating Make Sunsets, citing the regulation of sulfur dioxide as an air pollutant. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced the agency’s investigation this week.

Legal Ambiguity and Regulatory Challenges

Make Sunsets maintains that its activities are legally compliant, referencing the Weather Modification Act of 1976 and its commitment to annual reporting to NOAA.

However, the application of this law is unclear. Originally, the Act was likely intended to govern cloud seeding – a practice involving the introduction of particles like silver iodide to induce precipitation.

Current weather modification efforts are largely undertaken by entities such as ski resorts and irrigation districts. The law’s relevance to large-scale climate modification remains undefined.

A Question of Consistency

Despite the investigation, some argue that the EPA’s stance appears inconsistent.

The agency’s support for increased coal usage is projected to generate significantly more sulfur dioxide pollution than Make Sunsets’ balloon releases.

A single Make Sunsets balloon released on November 15, 2024, contained 1,715 grams of sulfur dioxide. In contrast, U.S. power plants released 650,000 tons of the pollutant in 2023, primarily from coal combustion.

This equates to approximately 343,900,000 Make Sunsets balloons to produce the same amount of sulfur dioxide.