Read the following passage about The Promise and Peril of Solar Geoengineering and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indi...

Read the following passage about The Promise and Peril of Solar Geoengineering and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the option that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 18 to 22.

In recent years, climate change has prompted scientists and entrepreneurs to explore radical solutions for cooling our planet. (18)_________, having secured $60 million in its latest funding round. The company, which operates from headquarters near Tel Aviv, claims to have developed innovative reflective particles designed to mimic volcanic eruptions' temporary cooling effects. These microscopic materials would theoretically bounce sunlight back into space, thereby reducing global temperatures without causing ozone depletion or acid precipitation.

What makes this venture particularly noteworthy, however, (19)_________. Stardust's leadership has announced plans to commence controlled aerial experiments in April 2026; their modified aircraft will conduct stratospheric tests at approximately 18 kilometers altitude. The startup maintains that its particles remain completely inert and will not bioaccumulate in ecosystems or trigger harmful environmental chain reactions.

(20)_________ Critics argue that venture capital involvement in largely unregulated geoengineering could precipitate unpredictable consequences; such interventions might disrupt established weather patterns or even spark international disputes over climate manipulation. (21)_________. Despite these concerns, Stardust continues pursuing government contracts while developing patents and preparing academic publications to validate its methodology. (22)_________, will ultimately determine whether it offers genuine hope for our warming world or merely introduces unprecedented risks to Earth's delicate atmospheric balance.

https://www.politico.com/z

Question 18:

A. It is Stardust Solutions that has emerged as a frontrunner in that field

B. It is Stardust Solutions that emerged as a frontrunner in this field

C. It is Stardust Solutions that has emerged as a frontrunner in this field

D. It is Stardust Solutions that has emerged as the frontrunner in this field

Question 19:

A. is whether it represents the largest investment ever directed toward atmospheric solar intervention technology

B. is how it represents the largest investment ever directed toward atmospheric solar intervention technology

C. is it represents the largest investment ever directed toward atmospheric solar intervention technology

D. is that it represents the largest investment ever directed toward atmospheric solar intervention technology

Question 20:

A. Nevertheless, numerous environmental advocates and atmospheric researchers have expressed profound skepticism regarding this approach

B. Accordingly, numerous environmental advocates and atmospheric researchers have expressed cautious optimism regarding this approach.

C. Nevertheless, numerous environmental advocates and atmospheric researchers have expressed profound support for this approach.

D. Even so, numerous environmental advocates and atmospheric researchers have expressed profound skepticism regarding this approach.

Question 21:

A. Furthermore, some experts question whether profit-driven enterprises should spearhead regional environmental modifications at all.

B. Furthermore, some experts question whether profit-driven enterprises should spearhead planetary-scale environmental modifications at all

C. Furthermore, some experts question how profit-driven enterprises should spearhead planetary-scale environmental modifications.

D. Furthermore, some experts question whether publicly funded agencies, rather than profit-driven enterprises, should spearhead planetary-scale environmental modifications.

Question 22:

A. The coming years, during which this technology will be crucially developed

B. The coming years, which are crucial for this technology’s development

C. The coming years, which have been crucial for this technology’s development

D. The coming years, which will be crucial for this technology's development