They War-Gamed Dimming the Sun. It Went Even Worse Than You Think
Solar geoengineering could buy humanity time against climate change—or trigger a dangerous new arms race. A first-of-its-kind simulation offered a glimpse of what happens when geopolitics takes the wheel.
A group of international experts gathered at Queen Mary University of London to play a game simulating the complex political landscape surrounding solar radiation modification technologies. These technologies aim to counteract global warming by reflecting sunlight away from Earth, a concept that has gained increasing attention in recent years.
The simulation, titled Exploring Geopolitical Tipping Points and Climate Cooling Strategies, involved participants from various backgrounds, including government officials, scientists, and tech industry representatives. The game was designed to test the world's response to these emerging technologies, which could have both intended benefits and unforeseen consequences.
As the game progressed, tensions quickly escalated. Representatives from the US and China refused to sign off on any agreement that would limit their respective national interests, while Russia was accused of disinformation after receiving a fabricated "intelligence report" about a US geoengineering research plane. The situation further deteriorated when China proposed a technology-sharing program with SpaceX, prompting the US team to demand an international investigation.
Ultimately, the game highlighted the likelihood of an "geoengineering arms race" as countries became increasingly suspicious of each other's intentions.
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