Photo: Pezibear
The impacts from climate change will continue to escalate in the years ahead, and a growing number of scientists, philanthropies and companies have become interested in strategies to lower global temperatures more quickly. One of the options is reflecting some sunlight back into space.
Because the consequences of Solar Radiation Modification (SRM), as it’s called, are hard to project, further study is critical before any action is seriously considered.
While driving the transition to clean energy sources and rapidly reducing climate pollution remain EDF’s major foci, we also need to understand the implications of trying to directly influence earth’s temperature through this technology. That’s why EDF is embarking on an ambitious research program to learn more about SRM and its potential impacts. It is critical that decision makers and the public have a better understanding of the potential implications of deploying SRM before it is seriously considered.
This work does not mean EDF supports deployment of SRM or other geoengineering strategies. However, these ideas may be increasingly considered in the next few decades, so it’s essential we understand the potential impacts. We need solid scientific information that’s accessible to decision makers in all countries to form the basis of future decisions about the use of this technology.
What is SRM?
SRM involves reflecting incoming radiation back into space to reduce the Earth’s temperature. Proposed methods include injecting aerosols into the stratosphere among others. SRM would only be a temporary fix, not a way to address the root causes of climate change or other impacts like ocean acidification. But proponents argue that these methods are a way to cool the planet until emissions reduction efforts have had a chance to stabilize the climate at levels that are acceptable, something that might take decades.
And while scientists and researchers are actively looking at a variety of potential ideas, we still don’t know how effective they would be, how feasible they are to deploy, or their potential unintended consequences.
That’s where EDF comes in.
Longstanding Role in SRM research
EDF has been involved in SRM for more than a decade, primarily through our co-chairing and support of the Solar Radiation Management Governance Initiative, which focused on governance structures around this research. Subsequently formed as DEGREES, an independent nonprofit, this work continues to engage a diverse range of global voices around SRM research.
Now, with the growing interest and activity in SRM around the world, EDF is working with a diverse group of scientists and other stakeholders to explore some of the more challenging aspects of SRM. The new program, which I’m leading, will focus on policy-relevant research that we hope will create a pathway for long-term, robust, government-backed research.
Ultimately, our intention is for this work to transition into government programs in several countries, a consortium of larger entities or an international body such as the United Nations.
Next steps include working with SRM researchers to develop a research agenda focused on impacts, create a governance structure for the research, and ensure that the research is relevant for global decision makers. We also plan to provide funding for research projects, the results of which will be widely disseminated in a transparent, timely manner, through scientific journals and meetings.
First things first
EDF has a long history of collaborating with academics, businesses, philanthropies, NGOs and governments to expand our scientific understanding of some of the world’s biggest environmental challenges. This is no different. We want to help the broader scientific and policy communities gather the knowledge they need to make effective decisions.
Make no mistake, by conducting research into the implications of SRM, EDF is not—in any way—diverting our focus from reducing climate pollution. Cutting emissions as rapidly as possible is essential to addressing the climate crisis.
But facing a world with rapidly rising temperatures and impacts, we need to better understand the implications of new technologies and encourage decision-relevant research that can drive effective decisions in a safe, collaborative and transparent manner.