The City Council in Alameda, Calif., voted to stop tests of a device that could one day cool the Earth. Scientists and city staff had previously concluded the tests posed no risk.

The city council of Alameda, California, will determine if an experiment to alter the climate can continue.

At the most recent United Nations Environment Assembly, Africa’s leaders helped shoot down a resolution that called for more research into the benefits and risks of solar radiation modification. They identified the dangers of entertaining this fantasy and emphasized the need for effective and equitable climate solutions.