How conspiracy theories impact geoengineering efforts

How conspiracy theories impact geoengineering efforts

June 15, 2026 · 24 min · Season 9

About this episode

This episode discusses the impact of conspiracy theories on geoengineering efforts and related legislation in the U.S.

Across the country, anti-geoengineering bills are being proposed in state legislatures. These bills would ban the intentional release of chemicals into the atmosphere for the purpose of affecting sunlight or weather, and could impact future research into stratospheric aerosol injection — or even cloud seeding. But, unlike environmentalists that are advocating against the potential use of geoengineering as a climate solution, the bills’ proponents think that it’s already happening. Their proof? You can see it in the sky, they say: just look up. In this episode of “How We Survive,” Amy Scott talks with producer Rachel Kahn about how a once-fringe conspiracy theory could impact the future of geoengineering.

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