Ultra-Fine Silica Could Save the Earth... Overseas Startup Unveils 'Global Cooling' Technology

Stardust: "Dispersing Ultra-Fine Silica Particles to Reflect Part of the Sun’s Rays"

An Israel- and U.S.-based startup has unveiled a technology that disperses ultra-fine silica (silicon dioxide) particles in the stratosphere to slow down global warming.

Global Warming Data Image. Photo by The Asia Business Daily Database

According to U.S. online media outlet Politico on May 15 (local time), Stardust Solutions has been advancing its business since 2023 by raising $75 million (approximately 112.5 billion won) in investment, based on the outlook that, if global warming becomes uncontrollable, governments around the world will adopt solar radiation reflection technology.

The core technology that Stardust has been secretly developing involves amorphous silica particles measuring 0.5 μm (micrometers) in diameter. Stardust is considering releasing these particles—visible only under a microscope—into the stratosphere at an altitude of about 18 km above ground to reflect part of the sun’s rays. The particles are reportedly designed to fall back to the ground after blocking sunlight. The company also announced that it is developing particles containing calcium carbonate to further enhance the sun-blocking effect.

Yanai Yedvab, the company’s CEO, emphasized, "For governments to consider solar reflection technology, there must be scientific proof that the technology is safe, practical, and controllable," adding that "this public disclosure of the technology is an important step toward that goal."

Addressing concerns that the impact of silica dispersal on human health, the climate, and ecosystems has not been sufficiently verified, Stardust explained that it uses relatively safe amorphous silica, and that the particles are designed to be absorbed within natural cycles. Unlike crystalline silica—which is the dust generated when cutting or crushing rocks—amorphous silica is known to pose a low risk to human health at low concentrations.

Currently, Stardust’s research papers, which contain details of the technology, have not yet undergone the peer review process by other experts.

Stardust is considered a pioneer in the field of "solar geoengineering," which involves artificially blocking sunlight from reaching Earth. However, since there are still no international regulations or oversight frameworks for solar geoengineering, criticism has arisen over private companies leading the development of technologies that could alter the global climate.

Hanna Shepard, who served as a White House climate policy advisor under the Biden administration, pointed out, "It is dangerous for the same entities developing technologies that could affect the entire world to also take on the role of regulator."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.