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SRM is back in the headlines: The world might have to turn to Solar Radiation Modification (SRM) — an experimental form of geoengineering that can induce atmospheric cooling — to fight climate change as we remain off track to keep warming below 1.5 °C, Chair of the Climate Overshoot Commission and former director of the WTO Pascal Lamy writes in the Financial Times. SRM has garnered much controversy in climate discussions due to the risks associated with it, including messing with weather patterns, damaging the ozone layer, and causing acid rain.
SOUND SMART- What is SRM? SRM — likened to chemotherapy for global warming — involves reflecting sun rays back into space by releasing aerosols like sulfur dioxide in the upper atmosphere to reduce the effects of climate change. The result would be increased cooling in the atmosphere in a similar way to the effect that happens after big volcanic eruptions, FT added. It’s unclear how or whether solar shields would affect solar energy assets.
The tech is controversial for a reason: Some argue that SRM does not address the route cause of emissions or prioritize restoring ecosystems, even if it could induce temporary cooling. Additionally, if the technology was suddenly stopped, the world would experience a rapid surge of warming that could have detrimental effects to people and the environment.
But it might be necessary: The world is not in a position to be picky, Lamy argues, and should seriously consider all the options available, even if controversial. To move forward, thorough research, regulation, and monitoring is needed before the tech is implemented. Establishing transparency and building global approval will also be required, Lamy said, adding that these steps can be explored in time between governments, civil society, and other stakeholders by COP30.
We caught wind of SRM last year: Nonprofit research organization The Degrees Initiative with the United Nations’ The World Academy of Sciences funded research by 81 scientists in the Global South to study SRM last year. The research aims to explore the potential of using moondust to create a shield in Earth’s orbit, creating a sun shield and potentially blocking a large amount of sunlight without significant mass.
