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Solar radiation modification
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Solar radiation modification
Solar radiation modification (SRM) (or solar geoengineering) is a group of large-scale approaches to reduce global warming by increasing the amount of sunlight that is reflected away from Earth and back to space. It is not intended to replace efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but rather to complement them as a potential way to limit global warming. SRM is a form of geoengineering.
The most-researched SRM method is stratospheric aerosol injection (SAI), in which small reflective particles would be introduced into the upper atmosphere to reflect sunlight. Other approaches include marine cloud brightening (MCB), which would increase the reflectivity of clouds over the oceans, or constructing a space sunshade or a space mirror, to reduce the amount of sunlight reaching earth.
Climate models have consistently shown that SRM could reduce global warming and many effects of climate change, including some potential climate tipping points. However, its effects would vary by region and season, and the resulting climate would differ from one that had not experienced warming. Scientific understanding of these regional effects, including potential environmental risks and side effects, remains limited.
SRM also raises complex political, social, and ethical issues. Some worry that its development could reduce the urgency of cutting emissions. Its relatively low direct costs and technical feasibility suggest that it could, in theory, be deployed unilaterally, prompting concerns about international governance. Currently, no comprehensive global framework exists to regulate SRM research or deployment.
Interest in SRM has grown in recent years, driven by continued global warming and slow progress in emissions reductions. This has led to increased scientific research, policy debate, and public discussion, although SRM remains controversial.
SRM is also known as sunlight reflection methods, solar climate engineering, albedo modification, and solar radiation management.
The interest in solar radiation modification (SRM) arises from ongoing global warming, increasing risks to both human and natural systems.
In principle, achieving net-zero emissions through emissions reductions and carbon dioxide removal (CDR) could halt global warming. However, emissions reductions have consistently fallen short of targets, and large-scale CDR may not be feasible. The 2024 UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Emissions Gap Report said that current policies would likely lead to 3.1 °C global warming country's commitments and pledges to reduce emissions would likely lead to 1.9 °C warming.
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Solar radiation modification
Solar radiation modification (SRM) (or solar geoengineering) is a group of large-scale approaches to reduce global warming by increasing the amount of sunlight that is reflected away from Earth and back to space. It is not intended to replace efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but rather to complement them as a potential way to limit global warming. SRM is a form of geoengineering.
The most-researched SRM method is stratospheric aerosol injection (SAI), in which small reflective particles would be introduced into the upper atmosphere to reflect sunlight. Other approaches include marine cloud brightening (MCB), which would increase the reflectivity of clouds over the oceans, or constructing a space sunshade or a space mirror, to reduce the amount of sunlight reaching earth.
Climate models have consistently shown that SRM could reduce global warming and many effects of climate change, including some potential climate tipping points. However, its effects would vary by region and season, and the resulting climate would differ from one that had not experienced warming. Scientific understanding of these regional effects, including potential environmental risks and side effects, remains limited.
SRM also raises complex political, social, and ethical issues. Some worry that its development could reduce the urgency of cutting emissions. Its relatively low direct costs and technical feasibility suggest that it could, in theory, be deployed unilaterally, prompting concerns about international governance. Currently, no comprehensive global framework exists to regulate SRM research or deployment.
Interest in SRM has grown in recent years, driven by continued global warming and slow progress in emissions reductions. This has led to increased scientific research, policy debate, and public discussion, although SRM remains controversial.
SRM is also known as sunlight reflection methods, solar climate engineering, albedo modification, and solar radiation management.
The interest in solar radiation modification (SRM) arises from ongoing global warming, increasing risks to both human and natural systems.
In principle, achieving net-zero emissions through emissions reductions and carbon dioxide removal (CDR) could halt global warming. However, emissions reductions have consistently fallen short of targets, and large-scale CDR may not be feasible. The 2024 UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Emissions Gap Report said that current policies would likely lead to 3.1 °C global warming country's commitments and pledges to reduce emissions would likely lead to 1.9 °C warming.
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