Stardust Solutions, a geoengineering startup, has successfully raised $60 million in funding to develop technology aimed at reducing the Earth’s temperature. This funding round marks the largest in the geoengineering sector to date, according to Politico. The investment comes from a group of prominent Silicon Valley investors and an established Italian industrial dynasty, reflecting the growing interest in innovative approaches to combat climate change.
The startup’s strategy involves a process known as “solar radiation management,” which aims to cool the planet by releasing aerosol particles into the atmosphere. This method draws inspiration from the cooling effects observed after significant volcanic eruptions, which have temporarily reduced global temperatures. Yanai Yedvab, CEO of Stardust Solutions and a former leading physicist in the Israeli government, acknowledged that while this approach may mitigate some warming effects, it will not eliminate extreme weather events entirely.
“There will still be extreme weather events,” Yedvab stated, emphasizing that the technology is not a complete solution to climate challenges.
Innovative Approach and Future Plans
Stardust Solutions is unique in the field as it operates entirely as a private entity, unlike most similar initiatives that are typically led by academic institutions or non-profit organizations. The company is focusing on developing a proprietary particle that can be produced at scale and at a low cost. Yedvab specified that the particle should be “as safe as, say, flour,” which is crucial given the potential environmental impacts of geoengineering.
The company plans to initiate “controlled outdoor experiments” as early as April 2024, conducting tests from a modified aircraft flying at an altitude of approximately eleven miles. This experimental phase aims to evaluate the practical applications of their technology while adhering to safety protocols.
Despite the ambitious nature of Stardust Solutions’ plans, the concept of geoengineering has faced substantial skepticism. Critics highlight significant concerns about governance and the potential risks associated with releasing particles into the atmosphere. Notably, questions arise regarding who would control these initiatives and the ethical implications of altering the climate.
In a recent instance, city officials in Alameda, California, ordered scientists from the University of Washington to cease an unannounced experiment involving cloud-brightening particles, reflecting the contentious nature of such projects. Similarly, Harvard researchers halted an atmospheric geoengineering experiment due to public backlash and logistical delays.
Critics Raise Concerns Over Feasibility
Among the critics, David Keith, a professor of climate science at the University of Chicago, argues that developing a safe and effective particle is a daunting challenge. He expressed doubts about Stardust Solutions’ claims, stating, “I think it’s impossible to develop an inert particle that is better than sulfates.” This skepticism is shared by others in the scientific community, including Gernot Wagner, a climate economist from Columbia Business School, who cautioned against the viability of the startup’s business model and its reliance on government acquisition of technology.
Yedvab maintains that if deployed, any geoengineering efforts would be conducted under strict governance by relevant authorities. He affirmed the importance of establishing clear guiding principles to navigate the complexities of geoengineering initiatives.
As the funding and development of geoengineering technologies continue to evolve, the global community remains divided on their potential benefits and risks. Stardust Solutions represents a bold step into uncharted territories of climate intervention, highlighting the urgent need for innovative solutions amid ongoing climate crises.