Inspired by wildfire smoke
Scientists at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography found that adding aerosols to the atmosphere over a specific patch of the southeastern Pacific Ocean can brighten clouds and create a cooling effect. Their computer simulations, published July 8 in Science Advances, showed this technique can weaken El Niño events and reduce associated weather extremes. The research was sparked by the 2019-2020 Australian wildfires, whose smoke billowed over the Pacific and naturally brightened clouds, triggering a multi-year La Niña.
Timing matters
The team simulated two strong El Niño events — 1997-1998 and 2015-2016 — using a massive injection concentration of about 500 particles per cubic centimeter. Injections starting in June and continuing through the following February produced the strongest cooling effect. But starting in December, when El Niño dynamics were already well underway, yielded minimal results. The simulations suggest that early intervention is key to altering the trajectory of these powerful climate patterns.
No quick fix for current El Niño
Earth officially entered an El Niño phase in June 2026, and computer simulations suggest it has the potential to become a 'super El Niño.' The researchers stressed that marine cloud brightening is not ready for real-world deployment — major engineering challenges and unresolved questions about unintended consequences remain. Cornell climate scientist Daniele Visioni called the study 'really interesting and very new' but cautioned it is 'in no way the final answer.'