The company Sunsets aims to release sulfur dioxide particles into the stratosphere using weather balloons, although the effectiveness of this method in cooling the Earth is difficult to ascertain.
Sunsets, a startup based in California, is conducting weather balloon launches carrying sulfur particles into the stratosphere. There, the balloons may burst, releasing chemicals, as reported by Interesting Engineering on December 28. However, it cannot be definitively known if this will occur since the balloons do not carry any tracking devices.
The stratosphere of Earth lies at an altitude of 16 – 52 km at the equator. (Image: Wikipedia)
Founded by Luke Iseman, the technology behind Sunsets’ plan is based on solar geoengineering, climate intervention through engineering measures. The particles are released into the atmosphere to reflect sunlight back into space, helping to mitigate global warming. The company began launching balloons from the Baja California region of Mexico starting in April of this year. According to Iseman, the first two balloon launches were scientific projects. The amount of sulfur dioxide in the weather balloon is only a few grams, and the balloon is filled with enough helium to ascend to the stratosphere.
Iseman hopes the balloons will burst under high pressure, releasing sulfur particles in the process. The company has raised $750,000 in investment funding. Iseman stated that future launches will send sulfur particles to greater altitudes while also utilizing sensors and equipment to measure the impact of the method.
However, experts disagree with Sunsets’ approach. The scientific basis for this method remains questionable, given that commercial flights release 100 grams of sulfur every minute. Iseman asserts that his company is working to develop the best modeling data and collaborate with experts in the field to scale up, while also applying safer and more effective methods.
