In an eleventh-hour attempt to slow down global warming, some scientists have been proposing — or even testing, at a small scale — whether releasing aerosolized particles into the atmosphere to dim the Sun could lower global temperatures, effectively mimicking the effects of volcanic eruptions.

It’s a controversial idea that has drawn plenty of criticism from the scientific community as well, with experts pointing out the substantial societal implications and effectiveness of turning down the Sun’s rays.

Researchers at the Columbia Climate School, for instance, say we haven’t even begun to explore the possible consequences of stratospheric aerosol injections (SAI) — and are making assumptions that could exacerbate the dangers of messing with the environment.

“Even when simulations of SA

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