Synopsis

As concerns continue to rise over the state of Earth's current and future climate activity, humanity searches for a solution. Founded and established in 2022 by the self acknowledged novice geoengineer Luke Iseman, the startup company, called Make Sunsets, in order to combat heating particles from the sun's rays, began releasing "a natural compound via reusable balloons to create reflective clouds in the stratosphere." (Make Sunsets About) While the company plans to continue releasing quantities of sulfur dioxide (the aforementioned "natural compound") into the atmosphere for the next 20 years (Startup Says It's Started Releasing Chemical Into Atmosphere to Dim Sun), the scientific and environmental communities have voiced their concerns and warnings related to this unfounded and experimental practice of geoengineering.

What is Sulfur Dioxide?

According to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), sulfur dioxide (SO₂) is a colorless gas with a characteristic, irritating, pungent odor (CDC on Sulfur). Erupting volcanoes can be a significant natural source of sulfur dioxide emissions. (Queensland Government)

Effects on Animals (including/especially humanity)

Sulfur dioxide has been determined to be a toxic compound and health risk to organic life. Exposure to sulfur dioxide may cause irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat. Symptoms include: nasal mucus, choking, cough, and reflex bronchi constriction, and when liquid: frostbite. (CDC on Sulfur) These symptoms can be experienced by animals who have and do not have a history of respiratory complications (including asthma and bronchitis).

Effects on the Environment

When sulfur dioxide combines with water and air, it forms sulfuric acid, which is the main component of acid rain. Acid rain can:

• cause deforestation
• acidify waterways to the detriment of aquatic life
• corrode building materials and paints.

Sulfuric dioxide is hazardous to animals, and the environment at large, especially when in unnatural quantities.

Effects on Material

According to Donald G. Gillette, sulfur dioxide and its acid derivations are known to cause significant damage to materials. These pollutants can accelerate the corrosion of metals, reduce the durability of paints, decrease the fiber strength of certain textiles, cause some dyes to fade, stimulate the early deterioration of leather and paper goods and attack limestone, marble, and other building materials. (Sulfur Dioxide and Material Damage) Therefore, it can be deduced that sulfur dioxide is as hazardous to materials and infrastructure as it is to organic life.

Who is Luke Iseman?

Luke Iseman in his own words:

"I make tools for personal sustainability: solar-powered garden sensors, off-grid shipping container homes, bicycle taxis, etc. I've founded / co-founded / worked for several early stage startups, with a few (mildly successful) exits and a bunch of educational failures:)" (Luke Iseman's LinkedIn)

"Iseman, 39, acknowledges that he is, in many ways, a geoengineering novice." - The Washington Post

The majority of Luke Iseman's background, according to his LinkedIn Experience section, is in technology. Iseman has been a part of a few projects geared toward environmental impact at agricultural and architectural levels. He attended The Wharton School's Bachelor's of Science and Engineering program with a focus on entrepreneurship, operations/information management from 2001 to 2005. There, he gained experience as a teaching assistant, president of a technology non-profit, and the chair of a debate society. Iseman graduated cum laude.

Why This Experimentation Must Cease

As previously stated, sulfur dioxide poses a major risk to organic life, materials, and inanimate objects. There have been decades of debates over the practice of geoengineering by professionals in the geopolitical space. Luke Iseman is a novice in the geoengineering space with a background in DIY reminiscent architecture and technology; Make Sunsets is a startup company that he founded in 2022, after the failure of Boxous, his previous company that focused on affordable housing in a shared environment made from shipping containers (Boxouse Website).

Regardless of the fact that there is no law preventing a small company from geoengineering, in a space where there is presently a lack of regulations or at least long term scientific study, it is irresponsible and inappropriate to allow any individual who does not have a background in related fields to inject toxic gas into the atmosphere in any quantity. The six foot balloon used to carry the payload was purchased from Amazon and released without instrumentation to record any data; there is no way to know if the balloon even reached its destination.

What Iseman is doing is an unethical venture in scientific experimentation by an entrepreneur. The title of the relevant Washington Post article states: "This firm is working to control the climate," before asking, "Should the world let it?" The clear and cut answer is: NO. The way to fix the environment is to cease contribution to pollutant emissions, and find a solution via ethical research and scientific study.