November 1st: Symposium on Ecosystem Effects of Sulfate Geoengineering

[Andrew Lockley]

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November 1st: Symposium on Ecosystem Effects of Sulfate Geoengineering

Climate change will harm humans and the natural and agricultural ecosystems that we rely on. Sulfate geoengineering---injecting sulfate aerosols into the stratosphere to reflect sunlight away from the Earth's surface---may be an inexpensive, short-term means of mitigating some effects of climate change. But sulfate geoengineering may also affect Earth's ecosystems in unknown ways, including through its complex effects on light, temperature, and water. Unless we decarbonize rapidly, countries may pursue sulfate geoengineering to save themselves from the worst of climate change, whether or not the effects are properly understood. But understanding the effects will require work across disciplines, including biological and environmental sciences, engineering, economics, and non-scientific fields.

To introduce and explore this important topic, we are holding a one-day symposium funded by the UMN Institute on the Environment. The plenary speakers for the event will be Lili Xia (Rutgers), Chris Trisos (University of Cape Town), Peter Irvine (Harvard/University College London), and Jonathan Proctor (Harvard).

The symposium will take place at Learning & Environmental Sciences R380 from 8:50 AM-4 PM on November 1. Lunch, coffee/tea and snacks will be provided and attendance is free. All are welcome, including those not affiliated with any university. Please RSVP using the form below, and the final schedule will be e-mailed shortly. You do not have to commit to attending the entire event. Feel free to contact Sumil Thakrar (stha...@umn.edu) or Shan Kothari (koth...@umn.edu) with any questions.

Looking forward to seeing you!