Solar radiation modification in Asia: Current progress, knowledge gaps and future priorities

[Geoengineering News]

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1674927826002017

Authors: Hai-Yuan TANG, Mou Leong TAN, Ze-Qian FENG, Xian-Li CHE, Fei ZHANG 

09 July 2026

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.accre.2026.07.005

Abstract

As climate mitigation efforts remain insufficient to meet global warming targets, solar radiation modification (SRM) has been proposed to rapidly cool the Earth. However, knowledge of its regional impacts and associated risks in Asia remains limited. Although SRM research in Asia has expanded rapidly since 2023, studies have primarily focused in East, South and Southeast Asia. In general, SRM reduces regional temperatures and modifies the land–sea thermal contrast, subsequently influencing large-scale atmospheric circulations such as ENSO, the Hadley and Walker circulations, and the Intertropical Convergence Zone, all of which play key roles in shaping Asian climate. However, the impacts on hydrological processes, malaria transmission, agricultural productivity, and sea-level rise vary regionally and across SRM deployment strategies. Survey-based studies show that the public and researchers are open to understanding SRM, but express concerns about its impacts, morality and global inequity. Major SRM knowledge gaps in Asia include a lack of high-resolution regional climate modelling, geographical research imbalances, and insufficient sectoral impact assessments. Additional gaps include limited consideration of human, ethical, and governance dimensions; and inadequate analysis of termination risks. Five priorities are identified to address these gaps: 1) advancing research on disaster risks and compound events; 2) developing Asia-specific anologue-based analyses, SRM modelling frameworks, and deployment scenarios; 3) assessing atmospheric chemistry, air quality, and health impacts; 4) strengthening governance and societal engagement; and 5) building Asian leadership and research capacity. Progress on these priorities is crucial to ensure Asian perspectives are better represented in global SRM research, discussions and governance.

Source: ScienceDirect