Payam Javan: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin has taken action against the controversial practices of Make Sunsets, a private company based in South Dakota. The company launches sulfur dioxide-filled balloons into the stratosphere with the aim of reflecting sunlight to counteract global warming. They monetize this through “Cooling Credits,” claiming each balloon burst offsets one ton of CO₂ emissions. However, concerns have been raised over the environmental and health risks of releasing sulfur dioxide—a known contributor to acid rain and air pollution—into the atmosphere.

While some cite historical volcanic eruptions as evidence that reflective particles can reduce global temperatures, experts and policymakers warn against the unregulated deployment of solar geoengineering. The EPA fears the potential health hazards, environmental consequences, and even geopolitical risks associated with attempts to control the weather. Though Make Sunsets may be a small operation for now, the growing interest from billionaires and government agencies, including the Biden administration’s $22 million investment in such technologies, signals an urgent need for oversight before these experimental climate interventions have irreversible effects.