Should We Dim the Sun? Exploring Climate Intervention Science

Three Cornell University experts separate fact from fiction about geoengineering and climate intervention strategies like stratospheric aerosol injection. They discuss the science, misconceptions, and ethical considerations surrounding these emerging approaches to address climate change.

An episode of the Cornell Keynotes podcast, hosted by Natalie Mahowald, Douglas MacMartin, Daniele Visioni, titled "Should We Dim the Sun? Exploring Climate Intervention Science" was published on December 19, 2025 and runs 54 minutes.

December 19, 2025 ·54m · Cornell Keynotes

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Summary

Episode Description

Learn more about The 2030 Project: A Cornell Climate Initiative https://climate.cornell.edu/

Cornell College of Engineering https://www.engineering.cornell.edu/

Cornell College of Agriculture and Life Sciences https://cals.cornell.edu/

As concerns about climate change intensify, researchers are exploring the potential for large-scale human intervention in the Earth’s climate system – a set of strategies collectively known as geoengineering. Some of these strategies, called sunlight reflection methods, involve techniques like adding aerosols to the stratosphere to reflect a small portion of solar radiation back into space. Though still in the early stages of research, sunlight reflection and other geoengineering ideas raise complex scientific, ethical, and political questions.

In this Keynote, three experts from Cornell University delve into what geoengineering is and what it isn’t. Clarifying the science, the panel will separate fact from fiction and discuss why a cautious, transparent, and interdisciplinary approach is essential.

This conversation is part of The 2030 Project: A Cornell Climate Initiative, administered by the Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability.

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