Blossoming interest in geoengineering research over the last few years has ripened into a deeper consideration of the topic by scientists, policymakers, and the public. This interest has been boosted by a relative lack of action on mitigating climate change.

It’s not exactly a moment for celebration, but when a tropical storm is born in the Atlantic, millions of people learn about it quickly. As with any birth, though, a great deal has to happen in just the right way before a tropical storm is christened.