U.N. delegates on Thursday withdrew a motion calling for more research into technologies that aim to fight climate change by reflecting the sun’s rays back into space, amid concerns about health and environmental risks.

Some who opposed the draft resolution at the U.N. Environment Assembly (UNEA) were also worried that the use of solar radiation modification (SRM) might let big polluters off the hook, organisations watching the debate said.

Switzerland and Monaco first tabled the resolution on examining the geoengineering technology in December and it was discussed during this week’s assembly in Nairobi.

The original version called for the convening of an expert group that would produce a report examining SRM’s possible applications, risks and ethical considerations.

One of the best known proposals for using it involves blasting sulphur dioxide – a coolant – into the higher reaches of the atmosphere.

Read more: reuters.com

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