This solution to the problem of excess atmospheric CO2 is an expansive idea which may take more than the usual effort to grasp.

With the enormity of the global warming problem, a large, comprehensive response is needed.

This idea has to do with smart arrays of gas-filled solar wing-shaped balloons flying high in the atmosphere, which would migrate where needed to shade and cool air masses over desertified regions to stimulate rainfall.

This, in turn, would stimulate native plant growth, and naturally increase CO2 absorption.

The individual solar wing balloons would each operate as a "solar hot air balloon," but with with numerous modifications:
1. wing, or airfoil-shaped to move forward as it rises (or descends).
2. gas-filled with hydrogen or helium to operate at altitude in the stratosphere, above the clouds and commercial air traffic.
3. have the ability to alternately absorb and reflect sunlight, to warm and cool and thus be able to rise and fall to generate forward movement
4. steerable and tiltable, preferably with no moving parts in the traditional sense
5. able to sense, communicate, and coordinate with nearby wing balloons regarding location, navigation, air movement, etc.

The solar wing balloons would need to operate using Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and be in communication with a network of ground crews, which would be mapping priorities using Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and ground based sensing equipment.

Numerous small scale applications may help meet the cost as research and development are advanced. These might include communications relay, weather mapping, atmospheric sampling, and astronomical observations.

There are many possible large scale applications as well, such as for reducing dependence on nuclear and fossil fuels, shading mountain glaciers and snowmass to conserve water, etc.

Global involvement in the research and incremental development of the idea can help assure its safety and effectiveness. The solar wing balloons should be designed for longevity in the upper atmosphere, recyclability, efficiency, removability, ability to overcome ambient air movement or to use it effectively, and multi-tasking.

Safety advantages of this approach are that it:
1. would aid natural vegetation in its native environment to healthfully reduce atmospheric CO2, and
2. the wing balloons will not indiscriminately shade everyone and everybody, as would atmospheric dusting, and
3. it could be designed to be safely removed, unlike dust or orbiting space debris, and
4. it would not be radioactive, as is nuclear power.

This solution involves development of a means of controlling local weather, and eventually, global climate.

Although the complexity of this idea may be difficult to grasp, the scale of the problems we face help put into perspective the urgent need to begin research.
PF