African nations lead push against solar geoengineering experiments as climate talks continue in nairobi

At this week’s UN environment summit in Nairobi, African diplomats are taking a bold stand against solar geoengineering—controversial technology that aims to cool Earth by spraying particles into the atmosphere to reflect sunlight back to space. While not officially on the agenda, the continent’s representatives are using the sidelines to build momentum against what they see as a dangerous distraction from real climate solutions.

Solar geoengineering involves releasing reflective particles high in the atmosphere to create a dimming effect, theoretically providing modest planetary cooling. However, African nations are rightfully concerned about becoming unwilling test subjects for these unproven technologies. The continent has already borne the brunt of climate impacts despite contributing least to global emissions, and leaders fear that geoengineering experiments could bring unpredictable consequences to their regions.

African diplomats are pushing for a comprehensive global “non-use” agreement that would ban public funding for solar geoengineering research, prohibit outdoor experiments, prevent patenting of these technologies, and stop official government promotion of sun-dimming schemes. Their concerns center on the environmental, ethical, and geopolitical risks of putting planetary climate control in the hands of a few powerful nations or corporations.

The timing is particularly relevant given recent political changes, with critics warning that solar geoengineering could essentially place Earth’s thermostat under the control of whoever holds political power. Africa’s leadership on this issue reflects a precautionary approach to high-stakes climate interventions, advocating for proven solutions like renewable energy and emissions reduction over risky technological experiments with unknown global consequences.