What is Marine Cloud Brightening (MCB)?

Marine Cloud Brightening is a geoengineering method where sea salt particles are sprayed into the atmosphere to increase the reflectivity of clouds, reflecting more sunlight into space.

Who is researching cloud brightening in the UK?

Researchers at the University of Manchester are investigating the cloud brightening method, with funding from the United Kingdom's Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA).

What are the risks associated with cloud brightening?

Risks include changes in regional precipitation patterns potentially increasing flooding, altered heat fluxes, and a 'moral hazard' that could reduce the motivation to cut greenhouse gas emissions.

Home / Science / UK Scientists Test Sea Salt for Cloud Cooling

UK Scientists Test Sea Salt for Cloud Cooling

28 Apr

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Summary

Sea salt particles could be sprayed to make clouds more reflective.
Research emphasizes ethical oversight, environmental impact, and transparency.
Method offers temporary cooling, not a substitute for emission cuts.

UK Scientists Test Sea Salt for Cloud Cooling

A pioneering geoengineering approach, known as Marine Cloud Brightening (MCB), is currently under investigation by researchers at the University of Manchester in the UK. This method proposes the use of sea salt particles sprayed into the atmosphere to enhance cloud reflectivity, thereby bouncing more sunlight back into space.

The project, supported by the UK's Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA), places significant emphasis on responsible innovation, ensuring ethical oversight, careful consideration of environmental impacts, and maintaining public transparency throughout the research process. Scientists involved are clear that this is a temporary measure for cooling and not a replacement for essential carbon emission reductions.