Switzerland calls on UN to explore possibility of solar geoengineering

Proposal focuses on technique that fills atmosphere with particles, reflecting part of sun's heat and light back into space

Switzerland has initiated a global debate on whether the risks, benefits and uncertainties" of dimming the sun should be studied by a United Nations expert group.

It is proposing that the world body should gather information about ongoing research into solar geoengineering, and set up an advisory panel that could suggest future options for the untested and controversial approach to reduce global heating, which would have implications for food supply, biodiversity, global inequality and security.

This article was corrected on 22 February 2024. A previous version stated that 400 scientists had signed the appeal for a solar geoengineering non-use agreement, and also said that opponents of SRM had contributed to the One Atmosphere report. A further correction on 23 February 2024 clarified details around the research funding.