A recent White House report reveals the Biden administration's interest in exploring "geoengineering" – large-scale interventions in Earth's systems – as a potential tool against climate change. The report, mandated by Congress and released by the Office of Science and Technology Policy, focuses on methods to reduce the impact of sunlight, specifically "stratospheric aerosol injection (SAI)" and "marine cloud brightening," with additional research into "cirrus cloud thinning." While the report emphasizes the importance of understanding potential impacts rather than deployment technologies, it acknowledges the feasibility of atmospheric approaches compared to space-based methods. The document explicitly states there's no current policy attached to this research, aiming to inform future decisions about the risks and benefits of incorporating such modifications into climate policy. However, it also recognizes the possibility of future deployment by other entities, public or private. The White House assures that there are no immediate plans for a comprehensive research program on solar radiation modification, but the report's existence highlights the administration's consideration of this controversial approach.

The White House is researching methods to limit the sun's rays and mitigate climate change. (NASA/Solar Dynamics Observatory via Getty Images)

The White House is exploring ways to alter the Earth's atmosphere to block sunlight and slow climate change. (David L. Ryan/Boston Globe via Getty Images)