UK scientists are set to begin outdoor geoengineering trials as part of a £50 million government-funded programme aimed at tackling climate change. These trials may include controversial techniques like spraying reflective particles into the stratosphere to reduce sunlight. The initiative positions the UK as a major player in global geoengineering research.
However, Dr Downing (and many others) argue that such experiments are a dangerous distraction from addressing the root causes of climate change and pose risks to human health. Sunlight, particularly its non-visible infrared component, is vital for life and health. Studies have shown that reduced sunlight exposure is linked to higher risks of cancer, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and overall mortality. One 2018 study found that avoiding sunlight shortens life expectancy as much as smoking, while a 2024 UK study linked increased sunlight exposure to a 12% drop in all-cause mortality