Project Aims to Combat Global Warming by Brightening Marine Clouds

Scientists Launch Cloud Brightening Experiment on Decommissioned Aircraft Carrier

A team of atmospheric scientists from the University of Washington has embarked on a groundbreaking experiment to combat climate change by launching microscopic droplets of salt water into clouds. The experiment, known as the Marine Cloud Brightening Program, aims to make clouds more reflective and prevent excess heat from reaching the Earth’s surface.

The scientists have partnered with the Stanford Research Institute and SilverLining, a nonprofit focused on climate risks, to conduct the experiment on the USS Hornet, a decommissioned World War II-era aircraft carrier docked in Alameda, California. The Hornet, now a museum, will serve as the testing ground for the team as they study the effects of adding salt water plumes to clouds.

Dr. Rob Wood, the principal investigator of the project, explained that the technology has already undergone numerous iterations in the laboratory, and now it is time to test its real-world effectiveness. By launching the salt water droplets over open ocean from the Hornet’s flight deck, the scientists hope to replicate the reflective effect of natural aerosols in clouds.

The project launch event gathered scientists from around the world to witness the innovative experiment. Dr. Sarah Doherty, the program director, emphasized that while cloud brightening is not a solution to the climate crisis, it could help alleviate the symptoms of excess heat in the atmosphere and ocean.

Despite some concerns about potential unintended consequences of cloud brightening, the team is committed to studying and understanding the full impact of the technology. As they continue their research on the Hornet, they hope to gain valuable insights into the feasibility and effectiveness of using cloud brightening as a tool to address climate change.