Scientists in the United States were planning a large-scale experiment to dim sunlight using clouds from seawater, but initial testing of the technology was stopped due to disagreement from local authorities, Politico reported, citing internal documents.
“A group of researchers in California received a negative reaction last year after a canceled experiment on a decommissioned aircraft carrier to test a cloud-making machine, but they planned a much larger and riskier study of seawater spraying equipment that could eventually be used to dim the sun’s rays,” the newspaper writes.
Although the researchers were initially able to obtain government funding for their work and planned to gain access to government ships and aircraft, after failing the initial test, they were forced to admit that they would not be able to enlist significant support from local authorities, Politico said.
The publication notes that the researchers discussed with sponsors and consultants conducting a cloud creation test on an area of about 10,000 square kilometers off the western coast of North America, Chile or off the coast of southern central Africa.