Investors from Silicon Valley and Wall Street are Devoted to Finance Sun-Blocking Research for Climate Change Mitigation

Philanthropists persist in funding climate control research like cloud brightening despite skepticism and setbacks, emphasizing the need for scientific advancements in geoengineering.

Philanthropists Continue to Fund Climate Control Measures Despite Skepticism

Funding to combat climate change through innovative atmospheric alterations continues unabated amidst skepticism. Politico recently revealed that significant benefactors linked with Wall Street and Silicon Valley have committed to persistently finance pioneering technology to mitigate global warming. This includes techniques such as brightening clouds to reduce the volume of sunlight penetrating the earth’s atmosphere.

Commitment to Climate Solutions

Rachel Pritzker, founder and president of the Pritzker Innovation Fund, underscored the importance of research that enhances climate models and equips policymakers and the public with a better understanding of feasible and advisable climate interventions, such as marine cloud brightening, despite recent setbacks.

Major groups fund research to block sun rays for climate change control

Pritzker’s group is among several entities that have backed research at the University of Washington to explore interventions to minimize the sun’s global warming effects, a scientific field known as “geoengineering.” However, public backlash led to the recent shutdown of two experiments.

Experiments and Setbacks

Recently, a proposal to restart a cloud-brightening test from a decommissioned aircraft carrier in San Francisco Bay was declined by Alameda, California local officials. David Spergel, President of the Simons Foundation, highlighted the crucial aspect of the university’s research into the “basic science” of atmospheric manipulation to prevent climate change, despite not funding that specific experiment.

Support for Basic Science

“Our goal is to support the basic science needed to assess the role of aerosols in the atmosphere, particularly the stratosphere,” Spergel stated, emphasizing the importance of a scientific foundation for society to evaluate the benefits and costs of stratospheric aerosol injection or marine cloud brightening.

The Environmental Defense Fund, another supporter of the university’s projects, vocalized its continued commitment to funding solar geoengineering research despite setbacks. Meanwhile, Quadrature Climate Foundation, tied to hedge fund Quadrature Capital, stated its steadfast commitment to funding this research, pledging $40 million to sun-blocking technology research.

Political Support

High-profile donors aren’t the only ones interested in this research. Even the Biden administration has expressed support for it. The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy recently disclosed its team’s research into geoengineering methods to thwart the acceleration of global warming by the sun’s rays.

Original Story at www.foxnews.com

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Mississippi River Faces Persistent Saltwater Intrusion, Region Seeks Long-Term Solutions



For the third consecutive year, the Mississippi River is experiencing significant saltwater intrusion, prompting local communities and environmental experts to search for sustainable solutions. This recurring issue arises as the river’s flow decreases, allowing saltwater to move upstream and threaten drinking water supplies. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is actively involved in addressing this problem, employing temporary measures like saltwater barriers to mitigate the impact on affected areas.



Saltwater infiltration poses serious risks to public health and agriculture, as freshwater sources become compromised. The situation is exacerbated by prolonged periods of drought, which have reduced freshwater flow in the Mississippi River. According to the National Weather Service, drought conditions have worsened due to climate change, increasing the frequency and severity of saltwater intrusion events.



Local authorities are collaborating with federal agencies to explore permanent solutions. Among the proposed strategies are enhanced levee systems and improved water management techniques. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is evaluating the feasibility of long-term infrastructure projects to prevent further saltwater encroachment. Additionally, community leaders are advocating for increased funding to support these initiatives and safeguard the region’s water resources.



The impact of saltwater intrusion extends beyond drinking water concerns, affecting local ecosystems and agricultural productivity. Farmers in the region have reported crop damage due to elevated salinity levels in irrigation water. The Natural Resources Conservation Service is working with farmers to implement adaptive practices, such as planting salt-tolerant crops and improving soil management techniques.



As the Mississippi River continues to face challenges from saltwater intrusion, stakeholders emphasize the importance of collaborative efforts and innovative solutions. The ongoing threat underscores the need for comprehensive planning and investment to protect one of America’s most vital waterways from the impacts of climate change and environmental stressors.



Environmental activists have raised concerns over the fossil fuel sector’s significant impact on COP29, the latest United Nations Climate Change Conference. Activists argue that the industry’s presence diverts focus from critical climate actions.



The conference, designed to promote global climate agreements, faces criticism for allowing fossil fuel companies to participate extensively. Environmental groups claim these companies undermine efforts to reduce carbon emissions and transition to renewable energy sources.



According to Climate Action Network, fossil fuel representatives have increased their lobbying activities, aiming to weaken climate policies. These industries allegedly influence negotiations, leading to watered-down commitments that fail to address the urgency of climate change effectively.



Experts suggest that the influence of these companies stems from financial contributions and longstanding relationships with decision-makers. Critics argue that this affects the conference’s ability to enforce meaningful climate change regulations.



During the event, several protests highlighted the need for transparency and a stronger focus on sustainable energy solutions. Activists are calling for increased participation of renewable energy stakeholders in future conferences.



The controversy surrounding fossil fuel involvement at COP29 underscores the ongoing challenge of balancing industrial interests with the global imperative to combat climate change.