France, May 9 -- Scientists in the UK have received government funding of almost€70 million to pursue geoengineering projects aimed at artificially cooling the Earth, in an attempt to slow the progression of climate change - but the projects are causing controversy in the scientific community.

Geoengineers at the Advanced Research and Invention Agency (Aria), could try to thicken the Arctic ice pack by injecting seawater into the frozen blocks, under the programme Exploring Options for Actively Cooling the Earth.

Another project could see them attempt to make clouds more reflective by pumping reflective particles into the upper reaches of the skies to limit solar radiation.

"Climate change, largely caused by anthropogenic greenho...