 | | | | Welcome to the Solar Geoengineering Updates Newsletter, a monthly newsletter that updates you on the developments of everything SRM-related.If you find this work valuable, consider supporting us with a paid subscription. We put a lot of time, effort and money (£XXX each month) into compiling this resource for you. TABLE OF CONTENTSNote: Click on the headings listed in the table of contents above to easily navigate to the sections you're interested in. RESEARCH PAPERSBednarz, E. M., Goddard, P. B., MacMartin, D. G., Visioni, D., Bailey, D. A., & Danabasoglu, G. (2024). Stratospheric Aerosol Injection could prevent future Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation decline, but injection location is key. Authorea Preprints.Synopsis: The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) is vital for the global climate. This study explores how Stratospheric Aerosol Injection (SAI) might affect AMOC, showing that its impact depends on the latitude of SAI implementation. Northern-hemispheric SAI helps prevent AMOC decline by influencing ocean density, while Southern-hemispheric SAI has little effect. The study highlights the complexity of AMOC responses to SAI, emphasizing the importance of understanding SAI's specific implementation and the processes influencing these outcomes.
Stefanetti, F., Vattioni, S., Dykema, J., Chiodo, G., Sedlacek, J., Keutsch, F., & Sukhodolov, T. (2024). Stratospheric injection of solid particles reduces side effects on circulation and climate compared to SO2 injections. Environmental Research: Climate.Synopsis: Stratospheric aerosol injection for solar radiation modification has primarily used SO2, but its sulfuric acid aerosols cause stratospheric warming and reduced cooling efficiency. Using the SOCOLv4.0 model, researchers assessed solid particles like alumina, calcite, and diamond as alternatives. These materials reduce stratospheric heating, Arctic warming, and polar amplification better than sulfur. Diamond is the most efficient, offering maximum cooling with minimal side effects.
VanDeveer, S. D., Biermann, F., Kim, R. E., Bardi, C., & Gupta, A. Three Pathways to Nonuse Agreement (s) on Solar Geoengineering. Ethics & International Affairs, 1-12.Synopsis: Calls to explore solar geoengineering, speculative technologies to cool the planet by reflecting sunlight, have raised concerns about ecological risks, uncertainties, and global justice. This essay argues that planetary-scale solar geoengineering is unlikely to be governed inclusively or justly. Instead, it advocates for governance fostering nonuse. It outlines three pathways for a nonuse norm: (1) civil society-led transnational efforts, (2) regional state-civil society collaborations, and (3) state-led "Schengen-style" agreements.
Harding, A., Vecchi, G. A., Yang, W., & Keith, D. W. (2024). Impact of solar geoengineering on temperature-attributable mortality. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 121(52), e2401801121.Synopsis: Decisions about solar geoengineering (SG) involve balancing its risks against its potential to reduce climate-related risks. Using climate models and econometric analysis, researchers find SG could reduce global temperature-related mortality by over 400,000 deaths annually for 1°C cooling by 2080, benefiting hotter, poorer regions but increasing risks in cooler, richer areas. Quantitative comparisons show SG's mortality benefits likely outweigh direct risks, but uncertainties remain, requiring further study.
Duffey, A., & Irvine, P. J. (2024). Accounting for transience in the baseline climate state changes the surface climate response attributed to stratospheric aerosol injection. Environmental Research: Climate.Synopsis: Stratospheric aerosol injection could slow global warming but imperfectly offsets climate change. Using simulations from ARISE-SAI-1.5 and UKESM1, researchers assessed how transient warming affects surface climate changes attributed to SAI. Accounting for temperature stabilization eliminates SAI’s impact on the land-sea warming ratio but increases global precipitation reduction by 69% compared to a lower-CO2 baseline. These findings highlight the importance of baseline choice in SAI assessments and future simulations.
Oomen, J. Producing the Inevitability of Solar Radiation Modification in Climate Politics. Ethics & International Affairs, 1-15.Synopsis: This essay examines the alignment between solar radiation modification and climate politics. While SRM is often framed as a radical, last-resort solution to climate emergencies, it increasingly aligns with the logic of current climate regimes. This shift raises ethical concerns: SRM could deter mitigation efforts, obscure debates on ethics and values, and risk becoming inevitable within prevailing political frameworks, despite the intentions of those involved.
Young, D. N. Who Can Govern from a House on Fire? International Order, State Responsibility, and the Problem of Solar Radiation Modification. Ethics & International Affairs, 1-12.Synopsis: This essay critiques the viability of governing solar radiation modification within a disrupted liberal international order. It questions whether existing global governance frameworks, criticized for inequities and marginalization, can ethically govern SRM. Despite calls for cooperative, transparent governance, parallels to early nuclear governance raise concerns about power imbalances and non-climate motives. Growing geopolitical tensions further challenge the prospect of ethical SRM governance.
Nkrumah, F., Quagraine, K. A., Quenum, G. M. L. D., Visioni, D., Koffi, H. A., & Klutse, N. A. B. (2024). Assessing Regional Climate Trends in West Africa Under Geoengineering: A Multi-model Comparison of UKESM1 and CESM2. Authorea Preprints.Synopsis: This study analyzes West Africa’s climate vulnerability under stratospheric aerosol injection (SAI) using UKESM1 and CESM2 models for 2050-2069. Under SSP2-4.5, temperatures rise by 1.8°C (UKESM1) and 1.0-1.2°C (CESM2). Under ARISE-SAI-1.5, UKESM1 shows cooling (-0.3°C), while CESM2 shows slight warming (0-0.3°C). SAI reduces detectable warming signals but increases precipitation variability. Results highlight the need for multi-model comparisons to address uncertainties in geoengineering impacts.
Hurrell, J. W., Haywood, J. M., Lawrence, P. J., Lennard, C. J., & Oschlies, A. (2024). Climate intervention research in the World Climate Research Programme: a perspective. Frontiers in Climate, 6, 1505860.Synopsis: The 2023 WCRP Open Science Conference emphasized the urgent need for climate mitigation, adaptation, and enhanced knowledge systems. This Perspective advocates for integrating climate intervention (CI) research—terrestrial and marine carbon dioxide removal (CDR) and solar radiation modification—into WCRP’s framework. As emissions rise, CI may complement mitigation efforts. Inclusivity, particularly involving Global South researchers, is essential for equitable, comprehensive assessments of CI’s risks and benefits.
Wolf, K., Jäkel, E., Ehrlich, A., Schäfer, M., Feilhauer, H., Huth, A., ... & Wendisch, M. (2024). Impact of clouds on vegetation albedo quantified by coupling an atmosphere and a vegetation radiative transfer model. EGUsphere, 2024, 1-30.Synopsis: This paper explores the impact of clouds on vegetation albedo using coupled atmosphere-vegetation radiative transfer models (libRadtran and SCOPE2.0). The study simulates solar and spectral irradiances under both cloud-free and cloudy conditions, focusing on visible to near-infrared wavelengths. Results show that cloud cover increases vegetation albedo, especially with solar zenith angles less than 60° and moderate cloud optical thickness (τ ~6). This increase is driven by changes in irradiance, spectral weighting, and multiple scattering, providing a method for including cloud-vegetation interactions in climate models.
Zhang, S., Naik, V., Paynter, D., Tilmes, S., & John, J. (2024). Assessing GFDL‐ESM4. 1 climate responses to a stratospheric aerosol injection strategy intended to avoid overshoot 2.0 C warming. Geophysical Research Letters, 51(23), e2024GL113532.Synopsis: This study uses the GFDL Earth System Model (GFDL-ESM4.1) to assess climate responses to a stratospheric aerosol injection (SAI) scenario aiming to limit global warming to 2°C under the SSP5-34-OS scenario. Compared to CESM2-WACCM6, GFDL-ESM4.1 shows a greater temperature decrease (over 1.5°C) and reduced precipitation changes. The Southern Hemisphere cools more than the Northern Hemisphere, and the ITCZ shifts north. The findings highlight the importance of model uncertainties and spatial forcing patterns in evaluating geoengineering strategies.
Cherry, T., Kallbekken, S., McEvoy, D., & Siu, W. (2024). The strategic and governance implications of solar radiation management: perspectives from delegates of international climate negotiations. Environmental Research Letters.Synopsis: The lack of progress on climate change has led to increased interest in solar radiation modification, which could cool the planet by controlling solar radiation. SRM complicates governance due to the need to balance global action on emissions, prevent unilateral SRM use, and address diverging interests, ethical concerns, and uncertainty. Experts are pessimistic about effective SRM governance, with many predicting diplomatic sanctions or even military action in response to unilateral SRM. Experts from the Global South are generally more supportive of SRM.
Feinberg, A. Climate sensitivity and feedback trends using energy consumption rates: Runaway feedback passes a key threshold likely requiring solar geoengineering.Synopsis: This paper analyzes climate sensitivity and feedback trends from 1975-2024, using normalized correlated rates (NCRs) to model global warming, CO2, energy consumption, and population increases. The study finds that global warming is accelerating faster than energy consumption, due to feedback amplification. By 2024, over half of global warming may result from feedback, mainly from water vapor. The study suggests incorporating solar geoengineering into the Paris Accord to mitigate climate risks, projecting significant feedback amplification by 2047 and 2082.
Roberts, K. E., Harrison, C. S., Rohr, T. W., Raven, M. R., Diamond, M. S., Visioni, D., ... & Steenbeek, J. G. Potential impacts of climate interventions on marine ecosystems. Authorea Preprints.Synopsis: Rising global temperatures threaten marine ecosystems, biodiversity, and fisheries. Despite efforts to limit warming, projections show that even ideal emissions reductions will exceed the Paris Agreement’s <1.5°C target. Proposed climate interventions, such as solar radiation modification and marine carbon dioxide removal, aim to counteract warming but introduce uncertainty regarding their impact on marine ecosystems. This review explores potential trade-offs and knowledge gaps, emphasizing the need for impact assessments to evaluate risks and benefits before large-scale implementation.
Cheng, Y., & McColl, K. A. (2024). Unexpected warming from land radiative management. Geophysical Research Letters, 51(22), e2024GL112433.Synopsis: Land Radiative Management (LRM), a geoengineering technique to increase surface albedo and cool regions, unexpectedly causes warming in surrounding areas. This occurs due to suppressed precipitation in the LRM region, which extends to nearby areas, reducing soil moisture and increasing temperatures. The warming outside the LRM region could equal the cooling inside it, suggesting that unilateral adoption of LRM could exacerbate heat inequality between neighboring regions.
Henry, M., Bednarz, E. M., & Haywood, J. (2024). How does the latitude of stratospheric aerosol injection affect the climate in UKESM1?. Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics, 24(23), 13253-13268.Synopsis: Stratospheric aerosol injection aims to offset global warming by injecting aerosols into the stratosphere. This study compares different injection latitudes (Equator, 15°N/S, 30°N/S, and 60°N/S) for achieving the same global temperature target. Results show that equatorial injection causes Arctic undercooling, reduced tropical precipitation, and ozone loss. Subtropical injections (15° and 30°N/S) are most efficient, while 60°N/S requires 30% more SO2 for similar cooling. The 30N+30S strategy is recommended for further studies.
Quaglia, I., & Visioni, D. (2024). Modeling 2020 regulatory changes in international shipping emissions helps explain 2023 anomalous warming. EGUsphere, 2024, 1-19.Synopsis: The summer of 2023 experienced anomalous temperature increases due to a reduction in sulfate emissions from international shipping starting in January 2020. Using updated emission data in CESM2 simulations, the study found that this "aerosol termination effect" contributed significantly to the temperature anomalies. The results align with observed radiative forcing and temperature changes, highlighting the importance of accounting for short-lived climate forcers in future climate projections for more accurate short-term climate predictions.
Tilmes, S., Bednarz, E. M., Jörimann, A., Visioni, D., Kinnison, D. E., Chiodo, G., & Plummer, D. (2024). Stratospheric Aerosol Intervention Experiment for the Chemistry-Climate Model Intercomparison Project. EGUsphere, 2024, 1-32.Synopsis: This paper describes a new Stratospheric Aerosol Intervention (SAI) experiment for the Chemistry-Climate Modeling Initiative (CCMI-2022), designed to assess SAI's impact on stratospheric chemistry and dynamics using a constrained setup. The study compares results from the Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model (WACCM6) with interactive and constrained aerosol configurations. It confirms that the SAI-induced positive phase of the Northern Atlantic Oscillation and winter warming over Eurasia are driven by stratosphere-troposphere coupling. Small differences between experiments highlight the simplified setup's ability to isolate stratospheric impacts.
WEB POSTSRescuing climate repair from the Sci-Fi trope (One Percent Brighter) One Percent BrighterWhen —rarely— mainstream publications do condescend to talk about climate repair, one trope is always trotted out: Sci-Fi. Schemes to cool the world that leverage a well-understood geophysical variable like albedo are the stuff of fantastical literature… 25 days ago · 17 likes · 5 comments · Quico Toro THESISShahrasebi, M. (2024). Design, Development, and Evaluation of Splash-Plate Atomization for Marine Cloud Brightening (Doctoral dissertation, UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA (Vancouver).
REPORTSUPCOMING EVENTSSolar Geoengineering Events Calendar GUIDELINES:Sync selected events to your default calendar in these simple steps:1) Click on the event you want to sync.2) Tap the menu icon (three vertical lines) at the top left.3) Choose 'Share.'4) Pick your default calendar.5) Save the event.Sync the entire Teamup Calendar to your default calendar with these simple steps:1) Tap the menu icon (three vertical lines) at the top right.2) Choose 'Preferences.'3) Click 'iCalendar Feeds.'4) Copy the URL shown for 'Solar Geoengineering Events / SRM Deadlines.'’5) Paste the URL into your default calendar settings (Open Google Calendar in your web browser if you are using Gcal).6) Click 'Subscribe' or 'Add Calendar.'
You can directly sync all Solar Geoengineering events to your default calendars by pressing the link below:Sync SG Events to your Default Calendar JOB OPPORTUNITIES“Dr. Pete Irvine at the University of Chicago is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral scholar to join an interdisciplinary research team in a position supported by the University of Chicago’s Climate Systems Engineering initiative (Director: David Keith). The aim of this position will be to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of how effective Stratospheric Aerosol Injection (SAI) would be at offsetting the climate effects of global warming.”
"The Project Director will develop and oversee a portfolio of high-impact project activities to advance understanding and practice related to the law and policy of geoengineering (active technological interventions to manage climate change and its impacts); develop and manage partnerships with a diverse international group of collaborators; supervise project research staff and contractors; collaborate with Emmett Institute and Law School staff on project-related administrative matters; and raise external resources to support the ongoing activities and expansion of the project. The Project Director will dually report to the Emmett Institute faculty director and deputy director, and will work at the direction of, and in collaboration with, the Emmett Institute executive director, deputy director, and faculty directors and co-directors. Depending on their interests and other commitments, the Project Director may develop opportunities for UCLA students related to the law and policy of geoengineering."
"The Degrees Initiative is a UK-based NGO that builds the capacity of developing countries to evaluate solar radiation modification (SRM), a controversial proposal for reducing some impacts of climate change by reflecting sunlight away from the Earth. Degrees is neutral on whether SRM should ever be used, but we believe that developing countries should be empowered to conduct their own research and to play a central role in SRM discussions. The initiative has been working in different forms for over a decade and our work receives worldwide coverage and widespread acclaim."
If you find this work valuable, consider supporting us with a paid subscription. We put a lot of time, effort and money (£XXX each month) into compiling this resource for you. PODCASTSAndean glaciers & SRM - Fernandez | Reviewer 2 does geoengineering | Andean glaciers & SRM - Fernandez Reviewer 2 does geoengineering 1:00:19 |
"Is it too late for SRM to save South American glaciers? Alfonso Fernandez discusses his paper on the impact of SRM on the glaciers of the Andes. Fernández, A., Manquehual-Cheuque, F. & Somos-Valenzuela, M. Impact of Solar Radiation Management on Andean glacier-wide surface mass balance. npj Clim Atmos Sci 7, 257 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41612-024-00807-x"
News Roundup: Live from the American Geophysical Union | Climate Reflections: The SRM360 Podcast | News Roundup: Live from the American Geophysical Union Climate Reflections: The SRM360 Podcast 30:46 |
"Host Pete Irvine is joined by SRM researchers Lili Xia, Chris Lennard, and Tyler Felgenhauer for a live recording from the American Geophysical Union conference in Washington D.C. They discuss the latest SRM news including: the New York Times article on U.S. efforts to develop an early warning system to detect SRM deployment; Florida senator Ileana Garcia's bill to ban all "weather modification" activities; takeaways from the UNFCCC COP related to SRM; the latest research on the impacts of SAI to human health; the European Commission's chief scientific advisory recommendations on SRM; and more!"
Simon Woods: Real Ice co-founder on the plan to re-freeze the Arctic | The Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin"A UK-based startup is working on carrying out a bold plan to fix the decline of sea ice in the Arctic.Real Ice's ultimate plan is to re-freeze the Arctic by thickening ice to slow down the damage caused by climate change.Co-founder Simon Woods says this is their third winter of research - and it's promising so far."We're chasing a moving target here - but at current levels, 1.2 meters of ice should survive the summer, and that's what we want."
Geoengineering through solar radiation modification - a last chance option? | TRACK CHANGES - climate change and sustainability interviews | Geoengineering through solar radiation modification - a last chance option? TRACK CHANGES - climate change and sustainability interviews 56:31 |
"There is no doubt that we have the means and the knowledge to rapidly decarbonise, reach net zero, and become net negative. But success is not guaranteed.If we falter over the coming years, could geoengineering through solar radiation modification be a last chance option? Might we reach the point where we need to cool the planet, to give us a bit more breathing space while we decarbonise? Is it possible, or is it too dangerous? Would it undermine efforts to rapidly decarbonise? Would the benefits outweigh the risks, taking into account the harm already being done due to global heating?How would the world decide whether to deploy solar radiation modification (SRM), or even whether to conduct research? Who would make these decisions and what would the guardrails be?These questions are terrifying to contemplate. But so is the prospect of temperature rise beyond 1.5 degrees.Not surprisingly, there are deep divisions among the scientific community. Some scientists - including high-profile climate scientist James Hansen - consider our current situation is so dire that there should be a rigorous, rapid scientific assessment of the feasibility and impacts of SRM approaches.There are other scientists who are resolutely opposed to SRM, and consider it a dangerous distraction from a focus on decarbonisation and greenhouse gas drawdown.In this episode, I talk to Janos Pasztor who for seven years worked with the Carnegie Climate Governance Initiative, which took neither a pro- or anti- approach to SRM, instead focusing on governance issues around solar radiation management.He also talks about a new report on SRM issued by the EU Commission's top scientific advisory body.Janos's previous roles include UN Assistant Secretary General for Climate Change and senior advisor on climate change to then UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon, in the lead-up to the 2015 Paris climate COP that led to the Paris Agreement.He has also held senior executive roles with environment group WWF International, the UN Environment Programme (known as UNEP), and with the secretariat to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change."
Solar Geoengineering and Climate Justice | Climate on the Edge | Solar Geoengineering and Climate Justice Climate on the Edge 1:11:31 |
"In this episode of Climate on the Edge, host Susan Su sits down with Andrew Parker, founder and CEO of the Degrees Initiative, and a global leader in the field of Solar Radiation Management (SRM). Degrees uniquely focuses on SRM research for and by the Global South, and has pioneered groundbreaking research grants and initiatives from South Africa to Thailand."
YOUTUBE VIDEOSReducing Mortality in a Future with Extreme Heat: Part II | SilverLining "During the 2024 American Geophysical Union Conference, SilverLining and NYU Grossman School of Medicine, held "Reducing Mortality in a Future with Extreme Heat," at the Kimpton Hotel Monaco in Washington, DC. This conversation, titled "Research on Climate Intervention," was the second panel of the event, focused on research, governance and equity considerations for global-scale interventions in climate. The panelists engaged on topics including a discussion of the research needed to evaluate solar radiation modification (SRM) interventions, the practical and urgent considerations for governance and global participation and what’s at stake for younger generations."
Webinar: Stratospheric Aerosol Injection: A Pathway to Cooling the Planet | Healthy Climate Initiative "In this webinar, Dr. MacMartin will:
• Explain the science behind SAI
• Discuss its potential benefits and risks
• Highlight the role of informed preparation for society’s climate response"
Meer: Reflecting Sunlight to Cool the Planet | Healthy Climate Initiative "Abstract: As global temperatures rise, millions worldwide struggle with a lack of affordable cooling solutions. MEER, an innovative NGO, has developed low-cost reflectors that harness the power of sunlight reflection to cool households, buildings, and potentially entire cities. This groundbreaking approach offers a scalable pathway to cooling the planet and addressing urgent climate challenges.Join Dr. Ye Tao, Founder and Executive Director of MEER, as he presents the science behind MEER reflectors, shares insights from pioneering projects in India, and Sierra Leone, and outlines an inspiring vision for scaling these transformative solutions worldwide."
Marine Cloud Brightening to Cool the Planet | Healthy Climate Initiative "Abstract: As the planet faces accelerating climate impacts, Marine Cloud Brightening (MCB) emerges as a promising, cost-effective solution to rapidly cool the Earth. By reflecting more sunlight back into space, MCB has the potential to slow global temperature rise, refreeze polar ice, and mitigate devastating weather events such as hurricanes, typhoons, droughts, and floods.Join Dr. Brian von Herzen, Executive Director of Climate Foundation and Vice Chairman of HCI, as he explains the science behind MCB, and the potential for cooling the planet, including its benefits and risks. Learn about a groundbreaking intervention that could reshape our response to the climate crisis. Don't miss this opportunity to engage with cutting-edge climate solutions"
Is solar geoengineering Playing with Fire? | Morgansoft "Explore the controversial and complex world of solar geoengineering, a proposed solution to combat climate change by reflecting sunlight back into space. But is this technological fix playing with fire? In this thought-provoking video, we delve into the potential risks, benefits, and unintended consequences of solar geoengineering, and examine whether humanity is ready to manipulate the Earth's climate on a massive scale. From environmental implications to geopolitical power struggles, join us as we weigh the pros and cons of this radical approach to saving the planet."
Climate Repair Techniques | Climate Emergency Forum "Dr. Hunt shares his insights on climate engineering techniques, emphasizing the urgent need for research and implementation of geoengineering solutions to address the escalating climate crisis.The discussion delves into various climate repair strategies, including solar radiation management, carbon dioxide removal, and methane mitigation. Dr. Hunt explains the potential of cloud brightening and stratospheric aerosol injection to cool the planet, drawing parallels with natural phenomena like volcanic eruptions. He also addresses the controversies surrounding geoengineering research, highlighting the importance of ethical and responsible engineering in developing climate solutions.Throughout the interview, Dr. Hunt stresses the inevitability of deploying geoengineering techniques to buy time as the world struggles to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. He discusses the SPICE project, current research efforts, and the challenges of scaling up these technologies. The conversation concludes with a sobering reflection on the urgency of action to prevent severe consequences like global food shortages and rapid sea-level rise, underscoring the critical role of climate engineering in safeguarding the future for generations to come."
Beyond Emissions Reduction | Climate Emergency Forum “The panel features experts like Dr. Shaun Fitzgerald, the Executive Director of the Center for Climate Repair at Cambridge University, and Jill Storey, Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal Advisor with the World Ocean Council. They explore innovative approaches to climate change that extend beyond traditional emissions reduction strategies, emphasizing the urgent need for greenhouse gas removal and adaptation measures to combat the escalating climate crisis. Dr. Fitzgerald highlights the importance of increasing knowledge in climate repair and the necessity of achieving net negative emissions to effectively address existing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. He discusses the critical role of research in understanding the implications of solar radiation management and other geoengineering strategies. Jill Storey underscores the urgent requirement to remove 10 gigatons of carbon dioxide annually by 2050, advocating for ocean-based solutions that leverage the ocean's capacity to store carbon while also addressing the need for robust industry development in carbon removal. As the conversation unfolds, panelists like Dr. Leonardo Valenzuela Pérez from Ocean Visions and climate educator Paul Beckwith engage in a dynamic dialogue about the complexities of climate solutions and the importance of collaboration across sectors. The discussion emphasizes that while emissions reduction remains vital, immediate action on carbon removal is equally crucial to avert catastrophic climate impacts. This compelling exchange invites viewers to consider diverse perspectives and innovative strategies in the fight against climate change, highlighting the collaborative efforts needed to secure a sustainable future.”
Climate Change Geoengineering and Risk | Waide Center for Applied Ethics | Fairfield University Being Frank & Honest About Climate Change with Climate Scientist Kevin Anderson | Climate Chat “In our third interview with climate scientist Kevin Anderson, we will cover why climate scientists need to be more frank and honest about emissions scenarios, why the rich cutting their emissions is key to staying below 2ºC of warming, the need for solar geo-engineering, COP29, and other subjects. Kevin Anderson holds the Zennström professorship at Uppsala University and is chair of energy and climate change at the School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering (MACE) at the University of Manchester. He has been Deputy and Interim Director of the Tyndall Centre. He is a non-executive director of Greenstone Carbon Management. Kevin is research active with recent publications in Science, Nature and Nature Geosciences. Kevin engages widely across all tiers of government (UK and Sweden) on issues ranging from shale gas, aviation and shipping to the role of climate modelling (IAMs), carbon budgets and ‘negative emission technologies. His analysis previously contributed to the framing of the UK’s Climate Change Act and the development of national carbon budgets. Kevin has a decade’s industrial experience, principally in the petrochemical industry. He is a chartered engineer and a fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.”
Marine Cloud Brightening | Cool The Country “Flettner Rotors are spinning vertical tubes that work rather like airplane wings: they can power a boat at twice the speed the wind is blowing. These rotors are just one element of Stephen Salter’s carefully engineered, remote-controlled, wind-powered boats designed to spray a fine mist of sea water. As that mist of water evaporates, it will create bright, reflective clouds. Operating off the coast of Western Australia in the summer, those boats could move back and forth quickly to wherever the clouds they create would be carried ashore on the prevailing breezes. The heat engine of that region is a danger when cloud cover is minimal and the sun beats down. Long-term, the benefits of water-harvesting and reforesting are many-fold and lasting, but Marine Cloud Brightening could buy us time while forests and wetlands grow. Australia could also be a testing ground for technology that the whole world may soon need. We are not doing enough to slow greenhouse gas emissions, and temperatures will continue to rise. Outside of our summer, boats built to cool the Australian heat engine could be hired out to India, creating clouds where they would best slow the melting of glaciers in the Himalayas. Or they could create clouds over the Indo-Pacific Warm Pool, the driver of ever-hotter summers across Asia.”
Physical, biological and social risks associated with solar radiation management - Wolfgang Cramer | Pathways Initiative – Future Earth “Wolfgang Cramer (CNRS, French National Committee for Future Earth) introduces the concept of geoengineering, with a particular focus on solar radiation management (SRM). He explains that while SRM has the potential to mitigate temperature rise, it does not address other critical climate issues and the unintended consequences of SRM could be devastating.”
Scientists Warn Against Solar Geoengineering | Vantage with Palki Sharma | Firstpost “Is solar geoengineering a climate-solution or a pandora's box? According to European Union scientists, it is the latter. They have issued a warning about solar geoengineering, urging the EU to ban space mirrors and other solar geoengineering methods. Solar geoengineering, which refers to blocking sun's rays, promises to offset climate change. But scientists are increasingly claiming that it is a dangerous gamble. So which one is it and why?”
How SilverLining is Studying Rapid Responses to Climate Change | WebsEdge Science “SilverLining is at the forefront of groundbreaking research aimed at understanding and mitigating climate change through innovative stratospheric studies. The stratosphere, a critical component of our climate system, is undergoing significant changes due to factors like space and air traffic, mega fires, and pollution. SilverLining collaborates with scientists to explore the potential of stratospheric aerosol interventions, inspired by natural experiments from volcanic eruptions that have demonstrated a cooling effect on the planet. By enhancing our understanding of aerosol distribution and its interaction with solar radiation, SilverLining seeks to develop effective strategies for climate cooling. Central to SilverLining's mission is the use of stratospheric balloons for comprehensive observation. These balloons, cost-effective and versatile, are pivotal in gathering data over extended periods and vast areas, offering insights into the evolving stratosphere. SilverLining is pioneering efforts to improve the retrieval of balloon payloads, ensuring valuable instruments are reused, thus optimizing research efficiency. Their work involves simulating and modeling aerosol behavior to predict and create environmentally friendly exhaust environments, crucial for understanding the full impact of aerosols on climate dynamics. The significance of SilverLining's research lies in its potential to inform global climate strategies, emphasizing transparency and accessibility. By investing in resources and knowledge-sharing, particularly in the Global South, SilverLining aims to empower communities most affected by climate change. Their work not only advances scientific understanding but also contributes to public safety and environmental welfare, highlighting the delicate balance required in stratospheric interventions to avoid disrupting global precipitation patterns. SilverLining's efforts are vital in safeguarding the health of the stratosphere and the ozone layer, ensuring a sustainable future for all."
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