Meaning: The quote you have provided is attributed to James Lovelock, a renowned scientist known for his work in environmental science and his development of the Gaia hypothesis, which suggests that the Earth functions as a self-regulating system. The quote refers to a proposal put forth by NASA to address the issue of global warming and climate change by deploying a large sun shade into orbit between the Earth and the sun.

The concept of using a sun shade to mitigate the effects of solar radiation on Earth is a form of solar radiation management, a geoengineering technique aimed at reducing the amount of sunlight reaching the Earth's surface in order to counteract the warming effects of greenhouse gases. The idea is to create a physical barrier that would intercept a portion of the incoming solar radiation, thereby reducing the amount of heat absorbed by the Earth.

The proposal suggests that the sun shade would deflect 2 or 3 percent of the sunshine back into space. By doing so, it aims to reduce the amount of solar radiation reaching the Earth, thus potentially mitigating the impact of global warming. This approach is distinct from other geoengineering methods, such as carbon dioxide removal or solar geoengineering, which seek to directly remove greenhouse gases from the atmosphere or manipulate the Earth's climate system.

It is important to note that the proposal for a sun shade in orbit between the Earth and the sun is a theoretical concept and has not been implemented. The idea raises a number of scientific, technical, ethical, and legal questions and challenges. Deploying such a large-scale structure in space would require advanced technological capabilities and significant financial resources.

Additionally, the potential environmental and geopolitical implications of such an intervention would need to be carefully considered. While the concept of solar radiation management presents a potential means of addressing climate change, it also raises concerns about unintended consequences, such as disruptions to weather patterns, ecological impacts, and potential conflicts over control and governance of such technologies.

The quote also mentions that the proposed sun shade would be "cheaper than the international space station." This comparison highlights the potential cost-effectiveness of the sun shade concept compared to other space missions and projects. It suggests that, despite the ambitious nature of the proposal, it may be a more feasible and affordable option in the context of space exploration and scientific endeavors.

In summary, the quote from James Lovelock reflects a proposal put forth by NASA to deploy a sun shade in orbit between the Earth and the sun as a potential means of addressing global warming and climate change. While the idea presents an innovative approach to geoengineering, it also raises important considerations regarding its feasibility, potential impacts, and ethical implications. As with any proposed geoengineering solution, careful evaluation and assessment are necessary to understand the full implications and risks associated with such interventions.