Scientists consider geo-engineering

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LONDON, March 15 (UPI) -- British scientists say they are looking for ways to reduce global temperatures and curb greenhouse emissions through geo-engineering.

Researchers are looking into the feasibility of using artificial trees to absorb carbon dioxide or reflect sunlight away from Earth, the Times of London reported Sunday. The Royal Society, Britain's national academy of science, is preparing a report on the subject, the newspaper said.

"Our study aims to separate the science from the science fiction and offer recommendations on which options deserve serious consideration," said working group chairman John Shepherd.

Among the possibilities being considered is how ships might be used to spray droplets of sea water into the atmosphere where they would evaporate, leaving tiny salt crystals to rise on air currents into the clouds.

The crystals would bounce more of the sun's energy back into space, the newspaper said.

"Anything that alters the climate in a different way from reducing carbon has inherent dangers because we don't understand the climate well enough," said government scientist Vicky Pope.