Impact of Regional Marine Cloud Brightening Interventions on Climate Tipping Points

[Geoengineering News]

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/370531906_Impact_of_Regional_Marine_Cloud_Brightening_Interventions_on_Climate_Tipping_Points

• May 2023
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DOI:10.22541/essoar.168319813.32335439/v1

Authors: 

Haruki Hirasawa, Dipti Hingmire, Hansi Alice Singh, P. J. Rasch, Peetak Mitra

Abstract

It has been proposed that increasing greenhouse gas (GHG)-driven climate tipping point risks may prompt consideration of Solar Radiation Modification (SRM) climate intervention to reduce those risks. Here, we study marine cloud brightening (MCB) SRM interventions in three subtropical oceanic regions using the Community Earth System Model 2 (CESM2) experiments. We assess the response of tipping point-related metrics to estimate the extent to which such interventions could reduce tipping point risk. Both the pattern and magnitude of the MCB cooling depend strongly on location of the MCB intervention. We find the MCB cooling effect reduces tipping point risk overall; however, the distinct pattern effects of MCB versus GHG means it is an imperfect remedy. Indeed, if MCB is applied in certain oceanic regions, it may exacerbate some tipping point risks. It is therefore crucial to carefully assess the potential remote teleconnected response to MCB interventions to reduce unintended climate impacts.

Source: ResearchGate