Manipulating Earth’s weather to fix problems might seem like an idea straight out of science fiction and, indeed, could have unintended consequences.

Nevertheless, the authors of a study published yesterday in Science Advances argue that a particular type of geoengineering called marine cloud brightening should be taken seriously in the face of a recurring climate phenomenon called “El Niño.” The approach would be controversial, but computer models indicate its potential to mitigate El Niño’s destructive effects, according to the study.