Abstract: A method and apparatus for cooling a planet uses an explosion to lift a dust cloud into the atmosphere. The dust cloud shields the surface of the planet from some sunlight. One aspect of the invention relates to detonating an explosive to generate a dust cloud and to create an updraft to lift the dust cloud into the atmosphere where it can be spread by winds over the area to be cooled. The dust in the atmosphere blocks sunlight from reaching the surface, allowing the planet to cool. Multiple explosions at multiple locations or at the same location may be use for greater cooling. Explosions may be caused by nuclear weapons or by the impact of an asteroid or comet.