SRM related projects initiated in Chile, Malaysia, South Africa and Indonesia by Degrees Modeling Fund (DMF)
Geoengineering News
Chile
Tackling the effects of climate change on the Andean glaciers
Host institution
Universidad de Concepción
Grant year
2023
Project summary
The ice-capped Andes are one of the most vulnerable mountain environments on Earth. The retreat of glaciers is affecting water availability, and this will continue to get worse with increased warming. Dr Alfonso Fernandez, from Chile’s Universidad de Concepción, is leading a team to evaluate how SRM might change this picture, and with what other effects. Preliminary analysis suggests it could have a cooling effect along the Cordillera, and could reduce precipitation, especially in the south, but more study is needed. This project will provide important information for negotiators and policymakers in South America as they engage in discussions about the potential future deployment or rejection of SRM as an option to tackle climate change.
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https://www.degrees.ngo/dmf/the-projects/malaysia-2023/
Malaysia
Impact of SRM on Hydro-climatic Extremes in Malaysia
Host institution
Universiti Sains Malaysia
Grant year
2023
Project summary
Climate change is increasing the risk of floods and droughts, leading to huge losses for economies and populations. In Malaysia, extreme precipitation from mid-December 2021 to early 2022 led to devastating flooding, killing more than 50 people, affecting more than 125,000 people, and resulting in financial losses of nearly US$1.5 billion. Similarly, prolonged dry spells have caused serious damage to the agricultural and water sectors. How might the deployment of SRM affect these trends? A team led by Dr Mou Leong Tan, of the Universiti Sains Malaysia, will evaluate its potential impact in the Muda River Basin (MRB), which supplies vital freshwater to the northern states in Peninsular Malaysia. The findings will be disseminated to local government agencies and civil society, and will enable four early career scientists, including a final year Ph.D. student, fully engage with SRM research in Malaysia.
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https://www.degrees.ngo/dmf/the-projects/south-africa-2023-2/
South Africa
Assessing the future of livestock production in Africa
Host institution
University of Cape Town
Grant year
2023
Project summary
Increased livestock production is needed to meet rising nutrition demands in Africa, but climate change – which is projected to increase drought and heat stress, would decrease the quality and quantity of livestock feed, meat, and milk. A team led by Prof. Babatunde Abiodun, from the University of Cape Town, will examine how SRM might affect the future of rangeland and livestock production on the continent, and help African policymakers more effectively engage in the debate around whether SRM could be an option to reduce the risks posed by global warming to food security. In addition, the project would develop general expertise in rangeland and livestock modelling, fostering greater understanding of the options that lie ahead.
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https://www.degrees.ngo/dmf/the-projects/indonesia-2023/
Indonesia
Studying tropical cyclone-related extreme rainfall in Indonesia
Host institution
Diponegoro University
Grant year
2023
Project summary
Tropical cyclones and typhoons can have a devastating effect in Indonesia, causing loss and damage to life, property and the surrounding environment, due to high rainfall, storm surges, and aftershocks. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) has observed strengthening storm surges and heavy rainfall along the Bird’s Head Papua coast and small islands, creating significant challenges for coastal management. Prof. Rahmat Gernowo, of Diponegoro University, is leading a team to investigate their shifting impact on affected areas due to climate change, as well as how the deployment of SRM might affect their behaviour. This work will mark an important step in increasing understanding of the potential effects of SRM in the western Pacific.
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Source: The Degrees Initiative