Impacts of Geoengineering Through Stratospheric Aerosol Injection on Global Weather Patterns

[Geoengineering News]

https://hal.science/hal-04778938/

Authors

Areej Al-Qarni

DOI : 10.5281/zenodo.14107179

12 November 2024

Abstract

Stratospheric Aerosol Injection (SAI) has emerged as a promising geoengineering strategy to mitigate the impacts of climate change by reflecting solar radiation and reducing global temperatures. This study investigates the potential effects of SAI on global weather patterns, focusing on aerosol dispersion dynamics, temperature reduction, and precipitation variability. Utilizing advanced climate models and particle-tracking simulations, the research demonstrates that aerosol particles achieve near-global coverage within six months of equatorial injection, with coverage rates stabilizing at 97% after a decade. SAI-induced cooling was most pronounced in the first ten years, with a peak global temperature reduction of approximately 0.6°C compared to baseline scenarios. However, the cooling effects were transient, necessitating sustained injection to maintain temperature stabilization. Additionally, significant shifts in precipitation patterns were observed, including reduced tropical rainfall and increased polar precipitation, highlighting the complex interactions between aerosols and atmospheric systems. While SAI shows potential as a climate intervention tool, the study underscores the need for further research on its long-term environmental impacts, governance frameworks, and ethical considerations. This work contributes critical insights into the feasibility and risks of SAI, informing global discourse on geoengineering strategies.

Source: Hal Science