So far, no national government has officially taken action on Solar Radiation Management (SRM). Switzerland attempted to get the United Nations to regulate geoengineering but didn’t succeed. While the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) supports carbon capture as a tool against climate change, it hasn’t embraced geoengineering yet. A 2020 IPCC report warned that SRM methods might not solve climate change issues and carry unknown risks.
Recently, the UN Environment Programme released a paper suggesting that SRM should be a last resort. The report stated that “the current state of scientific knowledge does not support SRM as a viable response to climate change.” It emphasizes that this approach doesn’t tackle the fundamental causes of climate issues.
Experts reacted with mixed feelings. While some environmentalists and researchers advocate for more SRM studies, many still urge caution. The American Geophysical Union and over 100 scientists have called for further exploration into climate interventions like SRM, which could involve techniques such as aerosol injection or cloud manipulation.
Countries like the UK have begun outdoor experiments with solar geoengineering. Russia and Australia are also testing different methods to combat climate change, such as aerosol trials and marine cloud brightening for coral reef protection.
In the U.S., several universities, including Harvard, are diving deep into geoengineering research. Private companies are also showing interest, with roughly $100 million reportedly invested in the technology. Stardust Solutions is leading the way, revealing plans for particle technology that could cool the Earth. The company has shared research on how its materials may interact with the atmosphere and is pursuing a patent.
Moving forward, discussions about SRM need careful handling, according to experts like Thompson from the Alliance for Just Deliberation on Solar Geoengineering. Thompson emphasizes the importance of including diverse voices, especially from the Global South, in the decision-making processes surrounding SRM technology. He believes focusing on research, rather than deployment, is key to ensuring responsible governance.
The conversation around solar geoengineering is evolving. As more research emerges, the potential benefits and risks of these technologies will become clearer. Balancing innovation with caution is essential to finding effective solutions in the fight against climate change.
For further insights, you can explore the latest findings by the IPCC and the UN Environment Programme.
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