
(London) – British officials are sounding the alarm and expressing concern about the sun — specifically, that it could be dimmed — in order to weaponize weather patterns. It sounds like something out of a James Bond movie, but according to a report from the Daily Mail — it’s a non-fictional threat.
It’s known as Solar Radiation Modification technology, and apparently there’s concern a hostile, foreign, power might use it to “dim the sun” — and cause environmental disasters. SRM technology was originally intended to fight global warming, by directing sunlight away from earth. But used for nefarious purposes, it could disrupt farming by killing cops — or render solar-power ineffective.
The Daily Mail spoke to defense experts about the solar-dimming concern, including Matt Ince from Dragonfly Intelligence. He specifically noted how certain nations with hostile intention could weaponize the tech. Dan Marks is with the Royal United Services Institute, and he noted the SRM technology brings unique challenges in terms of legality, and diplomacy — should it be weaponized.
Apparently, that weaponization hasn’t happened yet — according to Lt. Gen. Richard Nugee, formerly with the UK Ministry of Defence. He seems to think the outcomes are too unpredictable and varied at this point — meaning it could backfire on whoever tries to make SRM into a weapon. The cost may be untenable as well.