Yes, I definitely think there are some geoengineering operations (chemtrailing) being conducted. I'm not convinced that it is on a scale that some people believe but it's definitely going on. There is a good documentary on chemtrails titled, "what in the world are they spraying?".
However, I don't think geoengineering is the reason for the recent intensity of the sun. Actually, geoengineering is supposed to block or deflect the sunlight as far as I know. I think the intensity primarily has to do with the weakening of the Earth's magnetosphere allowing more UV radiation to penetrate Earth's atmosphere. This is a natural cycle that happens during solar minimum cycles (when the sun is less active). The Earth is actually electo-magnetically connected to the sun so there is a balance and interactivity between the sun and Earth.
Earth's atmosphere is regulated by solar activity. And the solar activity is regulated by our solar system's position in the Milky way galaxy. So, as the sun drags our solar system through the galaxy it experiences highs and lows in its charge depending on its position and interaction with other electical charges in the galaxy. This causes the regular solar cycles (sun spots and flairs). The sun's polarity actually flips every solar cycle.
Earths pole shift is definitely happening and your husband was correct that magnetic navigation is changing. This is likely why animals are behaving strangely. It's a sign of things to come. I'm not sure about a change in the position of the sun just yet but there is historical evidence that Earth undergoes drastic changes during these polar shifts. There is evidence of a 12000 year cycle where Earth's crust is displaced causing continental shifting to occur in conjunction with a pole shift. We are actually due for this in the next 20 years or so.
With the weakening of Earths magnetosphere, there is a real threat of a Carrington type event, similar to what happened in 1859 - a coronal mass ejection or major solar flair that would knock us back to a pre industrial age. It would fry all exposed electronics. I realize that it sounds doom and gloom but this is almost certain to occur within the next 20 years. The globalist know that this is happening and they are intentionally blaming the changes on man made climate change. This is why they are preparing their underground bunkers. Look up D.U.M.B.'s. They exist all over the planet.
There is a lot more to it. If you care to look into the scientific evidence, Ben Davidson has been researching the topic for years. He has some very informative videos on the topic at "Suspicious Observers" on YouTube.
Maybe it ties into the great tribulation prophecy.