Targeted marine cloud brightening weakens subsequent El Niño

Marine cloud brightening, a solar geoengineering proposal, could be used to deliberately modify El Niño events. By simulating cloud brightening in the southeast Pacific, researchers found that interventions initiated during the El Niño growth phase can disrupt the feedbacks that amplify El Niño, but effects weaken after termination. Early and long interventions can restore neutral conditions and weaken teleconnections, though unintended consequences like an earlier La Niña may occur. This study suggests climate variability and teleconnections be considered as targets in solar geoengineering research.