The Solar Geoengineering Updates Newsletter (January'2025)
Welcome to the Solar Geoengineering Updates Newsletter, a monthly newsletter that updates you on the developments of everything SRM-related.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Research Papers
2. Web Posts
3. Book
4. Reports
5. Thesis
6. Upcoming Events
7. Job Opportunities
8. Podcasts
9. YouTube Videos
10. Deadlines
Note: Click on the headings listed in the table of contents above to easily navigate to the sections you're interested in.
RESEARCH PAPERS
Solar Geoengineering: Trials, Innovation, Investments and the Need for Governance
Ramos, Y., & Santos, F. D. (2024). Solar Geoengineering: Trials, Innovation, Investments and the Need for Governance. Innovation, Investments and the Need for Governance (December 22, 2024).
Synopsis: Solar geoengineering, including Stratospheric Aerosol Injection and other Solar Radiation Management methods, is rapidly advancing through patents, pilot projects, and investments. However, secrecy and weak governance raise concerns about transparency, ethics, and global equity, particularly for the Global South. This paper analyzes current developments, their governance challenges, and the urgent need for a transparent, ethical regulatory framework to ensure accountability and fairness.
South Asian Summer Monsoon under stratospheric aerosol intervention
Asutosh, A., Tilmes, S., Bednarz, E. M., & Fadnavis, S. (2025). South Asian Summer Monsoon under stratospheric aerosol intervention. npj Climate and Atmospheric Science, 8(1), 3.
Synopsis: SAI aims to cool the planet by reflecting solar radiation, but its effects on the South Asian summer monsoon (SAM) remain uncertain. This study finds that SAI weakens SAM by altering stratospheric temperatures, the subtropical jet, upper-tropospheric wave activity, and monsoon dynamics. These changes reduce mean and extreme monsoon precipitation, highlighting the need for further research on SAM variability under different SAI scenarios.
Under a not so white sky: visual impacts of stratospheric aerosol injection
Lemon, A., Keith, D. W., & Albers, S. C. (2024). Under a not so white sky: visual impacts of stratospheric aerosol injection. Environmental Research Letters.
Synopsis: Stratospheric aerosol injection (SAI) could alter the sky's appearance, potentially influencing public perception. This study quantifies the visibility of changes in sky color and brightness due to SAI using a 3-D radiative transfer model for different aerosol types (H2SO4, CaCO3, diamond) and various radiative forcings. Simulations show that sky whitening from sulfate SAI at -2 W m-2 is undetectable for about half of the global population, with noticeable changes more evident during twilight. Diamond aerosols cause less brightness enhancement compared to H2SO4 and CaCO3.
Reflections on COVID-19 Adaptive Responses as a Template for Climate Intervention-Geoengineering Engagement—Preprint
Patrick, H. O. (2025). Reflections on COVID-19 Adaptive Responses as a Template for Climate Intervention-Geoengineering Engagement.
Synopsis: The debate on geoengineering as a climate intervention strategy emphasizes the need for more research, especially given its unknown implications. This paper reviews Covid-19 responses to explore how vertical and horizontal reactions, alongside public opinion, influence policy, drawing lessons for solar geoengineering engagement. It concludes that effective climate intervention requires strategic partnerships, alignment between research and community needs, ethical considerations, and a strong governance framework to prevent stakeholder excesses.
Impacts on Indian Agriculture Due To Stratospheric Aerosol Intervention Using Agroclimatic Indices
Grant, N., Robock, A., Xia, L., Singh, J., & Clark, B. (2025). Impacts on Indian agriculture due to stratospheric aerosol intervention using agroclimatic indices. Earth's Future, 13(1), e2024EF005262.
Synopsis: This study examines the impact of Stratospheric Aerosol Intervention on India’s rice and wheat production under the ARISE-SAI-1.5 experiment, which aims to limit warming to 1.5°C under SSP2-4.5. Results show SAI boosts rainfed wheat yields by mitigating extreme heat and increasing precipitation, while also improving rice yields by preserving monsoon rainfall. Adaptation strategies like adjusting planting dates may offer partial relief even without SAI under continued warming.
Solar geoengineering research faces geopolitical deadlock
McLaren, D., & Corry, O. (2025). Solar geoengineering research faces geopolitical deadlock. Science, 387(6729), 28-30.
Synopsis: Solar geoengineering offers a powerful but risky means to moderate global temperatures, necessitating strong governance to prevent harm and ensure oversight. Despite urgent calls for research, international governance remains unresolved, with recent cooperation efforts collapsing in February 2024. This study examines geopolitical divisions at UNEA, highlighting how research itself is contentious. However, a shared stance against deployment may offer a pathway for coordinated and responsible SRM research.
Assessing the response of surface cloud radiative effects to Stratospheric Aerosol Injection over West and Central Africa
Dommo, A., Nkrumah, F., Quagraine, K, A., Klutse, N. A. B., Quenum, G, M, L, D. (2025). Assessing the response of surface cloud radiative effects to Stratospheric Aerosol Injection over West and Central Africa. ESS Open Archive
Synopsis: This study examines the effects of Stratospheric Aerosol Injection (SAI) on surface cloud radiative effects (CREs) across southern West Africa, Central Africa, and the Sahara using CESM2-WACCM6 simulations under SSP2-4.5. Results suggest SAI mitigates shortwave cloud cooling loss while enhancing longwave warming, though some changes may stem from natural variability. Findings highlight sensitivities in cloud responses and emphasize the need for more comprehensive simulation data.
How to address solar geoengineering’s transparency problem
Talati, S., Buck, H. J., & Kravitz, B. (2025). How to address solar geoengineering’s transparency problem. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 122(3), e2419587122.
Synopsis: The 2010 Asilomar Conference aimed to establish ethical principles for solar geoengineering, recognizing its need for trust and governance. However, according to this study, transparency remains elusive, with private companies like Make Sunsets and Stardust conducting opaque experiments. Without clear regulations, public trust is at risk. Ensuring legitimacy in geoengineering research requires robust findings, open discourse, and disclosure of funding sources—key factors for informed decision-making and responsible governance.
Using Optimization Tools to Explore Stratospheric Aerosol Injection Strategies—Preprint
Brody, E., Zhang, Y., MacMartin, D. G., Visioni, D., Kravitz, B., & Bednarz, E. M. (2025). Using Optimization Tools to Explore Stratospheric Aerosol Injection Strategies. EGUsphere, 2025, 1-26.
Synopsis: Stratospheric Aerosol Injection could help mitigate climate change, but its effectiveness depends on injection location and distribution. Using climate model simulations and optimization tools, this study assesses trade-offs in SAI deployment strategies. Results suggest that tailored approaches can better balance regional temperature and precipitation responses, though improvements may be minimal at lower cooling levels. The study highlights the need for strategic design to optimize climate goals.
Radiative forcing from the 2020 shipping fuel regulation is large but hard to detect
Zhang, J., Chen, Y.-S., Gryspeerdt, E., Yamaguchi, T., & Feingold, G. (2020). Radiative forcing from the 2020 shipping fuel regulation is large but hard to detect. Communications Earth & Environment.
Synopsis: The IMO2020 sulfur regulation on shipping fuel offers insight into aerosol reduction's impact on climate. Using machine learning, this study estimates a radiative forcing of +0.074 ±0.005 W m−2 from changes in cloud radiative effects due to IMO2020. Detectability of this effect is low, primarily due to natural cloud variability, though higher in the southeastern Atlantic stratocumulus region. The findings suggest that reduced aerosol emissions could accelerate warming and that marine cloud brightening interventions may need to be substantial to be detectable.
Only Direct Climate Cooling (or Geoengineering) Can Reduce Near Term Climate Harm - Though GHG Emissions Cuts and Removal are Essential in the Long Term, and Four Other Critically Important Points on Climate Change-Preprint
Baiman, Ron. (2025). Only Direct Climate Cooling (or Geoengineering) Can Reduce Near Term Climate Harm - Though GHG Emissions Cuts and Removal are Essential in the Long Term, and Four Other Critically Important Points on Climate Change.
Synopsis: This article argues that urgent near-term deployment of geoengineering and rapid emissions reduction, particularly targeting short-term climate drivers, are essential to mitigate climate harm in the coming decades. While long-term emissions cuts and carbon removal are crucial, they won't reduce near-term climate harm or reverse global warming quickly. The article emphasizes that large-scale transfers of technology and financing from wealthier nations to poorer ones are vital for a just, sustainable economic transition. Without global mandatory markets, the pace of transformation will remain insufficient, hindered by the inertia of vested interests and systemic barriers.
South Atlantic subtropical anticyclone responses to stratospheric aerosol injection
Chile Baldoni, T., Reboita, M. S., Machado Crespo, N., Ribeiro, J. G. M., & da Rocha, R. P. (2025). South Atlantic subtropical anticyclone responses to stratospheric aerosol injection. Environmental Research: Climate.
Synopsis: The South Atlantic Subtropical Anticyclone (SASA), critical to the climate of eastern Brazil and western Africa, is projected to strengthen and shift westward and southward under warming scenarios. This study examines SASA's response to global warming and stratospheric aerosol injection (SAI) using projections from ARISE, GLENS, and GeoMIP. While SASA strengthens and expands in no-SAI scenarios, particularly in GLENS, SAI appears to mitigate this by restoring SASA's characteristics to those similar to the reference period. This effect is most pronounced in the GLENS project, which involves stronger SAI forcing.
World Climate Research Program Lighthouse Activity: An Assessment of Major Research Gaps in Solar Radiation Modification Research
Haywood, J., Boucher, O., Lennard, C., Storelvmo, T., Tilmes, S., & Visioni, D. (2024). World Climate Research Program Lighthouse Activity: An Assessment of Major Research Gaps in Solar Radiation Modification Research. Frontiers in Climate, 7, 1507479.
Synopsis: This paper identifies key research gaps in two prominent SRM techniques—Stratospheric Aerosol Injection and Marine Cloud Brightening (MCB)—and also assesses less prominent methods. It stresses the importance of transparency and inclusivity in SRM research to ensure objective and equitable findings for all stakeholders.
Climate response to stratospheric aerosol injection during the Harmattan season in West Africa
Nkrumah, F., Quenum, G. M. L. D., Quagraine, K. A., Tilmes, S., Klutse, N. A. B., Dommo, A., ... & Bediako, R. (2025). Climate response to stratospheric aerosol injection during the Harmattan season in West Africa. Environmental Research: Climate.
Synopsis: This study explores the impact of Stratospheric Aerosol Injection (SAI) on West African climate during the Harmattan season, using the Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model (WACCM) under the SSP2-4.5 scenario and the ARISE-SAI dataset. Results show that SAI significantly cools surface temperatures, decreases moisture content, and alters wind speeds, especially in the mid-future period (2050-2069). While SAI could improve air quality and reduce warming, it may also increase aridity, particularly in northern and central West Africa, highlighting the need for careful implementation to manage potential trade-offs.
CAS-ESM2.0 Dataset for the G1ext Experiment of the Geoengineering Model Intercomparison Project (GeoMIP)
Cui, M., Ji, D., Moore, J. C., Zhang, H., Jin, J., Fei, K., ... & Zhang, D. (2025). CAS-ESM2. 0 Dataset for the G1ext Experiment of the Geoengineering Model Intercomparison Project (GeoMIP). Advances in Atmospheric Sciences, 1-14.
Synopsis: In this research, the G1ext experiment, conducted under the GeoMIP using the CAS-ESM2.0 model, examines solar radiation modification to counteract rapid warming from a quadrupling of CO₂. By reducing solar irradiance, the model effectively offsets radiative forcing, capturing global and regional climate responses. Results align with other Earth system models, and datasets are available via the Earth System Grid Federation for further analysis.
Numerical Fit Modeling for Temperature Mitigation in Arid Cities
Hoback, A. S. (2024). Numerical Fit Modeling for Temperature Mitigation in Arid Cities. Applied Sciences, 15(1), 285.
Synopsis: This study develops a general method to predict local temperature changes from urban heat island mitigation using Solar Radiation Management (SRM) with calcite particle plumes. Unlike prior supercomputer models with geographic and temporal limits, this numerical fit approach uses weather data to improve accessibility, especially in arid regions. Results align with full models but predict greater temperature change due to differences in advection handling. Method adjustments are discussed to enhance accuracy for broader application.
Cloud processing dominates the vertical profiles of aerosols in marine air masses over the Great Barrier Reef
Braga, R. C., Rosenfeld, D., Hernandez, D., Medcraft, C., Efraim, A., Moser, M., ... & Harrison, D. (2025). Cloud processing dominates the vertical profiles of aerosols in marine air masses over the Great Barrier Reef. Atmospheric Research, 107928.
Synopsis: This study investigates the vertical profile of aerosol particles larger than 60 nm, acting as cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) in marine air masses over the Great Barrier Reef, based on data collected during a February 2024 aircraft research campaign. The findings reveal a strong relationship between aerosol properties and cloud microphysics. Above cloud bases, aerosol concentrations significantly decrease as particles activate into cloud droplets. Further reduction occurs above rain initiation levels due to scavenging by drizzle and raindrops, with a notable Hoppel minimum in particle size distributions. The results suggest that cloud processing dominates the vertical aerosol profile in marine air masses.
Permafrost Response in Northern High-Latitude Regions to 1.5°C Warming and Overshoot Scenarios Achieved via Solar Radiation Modification
Ji, D., Cui, M., Chen, Y., & Dai, Y. (2025). Permafrost response in northern high‐latitude regions to 1.5 C warming and overshoot scenarios achieved via solar radiation modification. Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres, 130(2), e2024JD041772.
Synopsis: This study examines the potential of solar radiation modification (SRM) to slow permafrost degradation in northern high-latitude regions, which could have significant climate impacts. The effectiveness of SRM in preserving permafrost depends on the warming trajectory and timing of intervention. Simulations suggest that SRM could reduce permafrost degradation if global warming is limited to 1.5°C, but substantial carbon losses would still occur by 2300, even with SRM. While SRM could restore permafrost area, it cannot recover lost carbon. The study also highlights the influence of temperature overshoot and SRM application on soil carbon dynamics in permafrost regions, with key uncertainties arising from model parameters.
The Impact of Solar Radiation Management in Mitigation Hazard at Indonesia. Case Study: The Extreme Rainfall of Surigae Tropical Cyclone in Papua Province, Indonesia
Gernowo, R., Faqih, A., Koesuma, S., Listyarini, J., Hakim, D. K., & Kusuma, D. A. The Impact of Solar Radiation Management in Mitigation Hazard at Indonesia. Case Study: The Extreme Rainfall of Surigae Tropical Cyclone in Papua Province, Indonesia. Case Study: The Extreme Rainfall of Surigae Tropical Cyclone in Papua Province, Indonesia.
Synopsis: Papua, located in eastern Indonesia, has experienced an uptick in tropical cyclones and extreme weather. This study examines the impact of these cyclones, focusing on rainfall patterns, using the ERA5 model to analyze atmospheric dynamics during tropical cyclone Surigae (April 18, 2021). By applying GeoMIP's Bias correction, researchers compared rainfall data and found a strong correlation between datasets, revealing a general decreasing trend in rainfall patterns linked to tropical cyclone events on Timor and Sumba Islands.
Turning Deserts into Paradises: Geoengineering in Science, Practice, and Fiction in the 19th and Early 20th Centuries
Lagercrantz, O. (2024). Turning Deserts into Paradises: Geoengineering in Science, Practice, and Fiction in the 19th and Early 20th Centuries.
Synopsis: This article explores the history of geoengineering in the West during the 19th and early 20th centuries, examining its development in science, practice, and fiction. It argues that early geoengineering ideas were shaped by the rise of climatology, colonialism, and techno-optimism. The recognition of human influence on climate led to both utopian visions and existential concerns. The study suggests we move beyond viewing geoengineering as a new climate solution, reconsider simplistic views of Western modernity, and acknowledge the political nature of technological visions.
Between inflated expectations and inherent distrust: How publics see the role of experts in governing climate intervention technologies
Fritz, L., Losi, L., Baum, C. M., Low, S., & Sovacool, B. K. (2025). Between inflated expectations and inherent distrust: How publics see the role of experts in governing climate intervention technologies. Environmental Science & Policy, 164, 104005.
Synopsis: This study explores public perspectives on expertise and governance regarding novel climate intervention technologies, including carbon dioxide removal and solar geoengineering. Based on a survey (22,222 respondents) and 44 focus groups (323 participants) across 22 countries, the research examines who the public considers an expert in these fields, their views on experts' roles in governance, and how trust or distrust in scientists unfolds with these technologies. The findings highlight key insights for experts on effective communication, public engagement, and addressing trust issues in policymaking.
Technology and International Environmental Cooperation
Rabitz, F. 2025. Technology and International Environmental Cooperation. Global Environmental Politics.
Synopsis: This article introduces the concept of "techno-political fixes," which focuses on how technology can enhance international cooperation on environmental sustainability challenges. Unlike "techno-fixes" that address environmental problems directly, techno-political fixes improve cooperation by addressing distributional impacts, epistemic complexity, and tractability. Applying this framework to solar geoengineering, the study argues that these technologies, intended to modify planetary albedo and control global warming, may actually complicate international cooperation rather than simplify it, by aggravating the problem structure of climate governance.
WEB POSTS
A US-based non-profit, likely called the "Arête Glacier Initiative" (AGI) to raise $15m for glacier geo-engineering (Quantum Commodity Intelligence)
Arctic Ice Project that aimed to use "a reflective material to protect and restore Arctic sea ice” is shutting down after tests indicate glass microbeads pose risks to Arctic food chain (Common Dreams)
Statement by Arctic Ice Project Team
Chemtrail believers sway GOP lawmakers to support geoengineering ban (News from the States)
Cooling Credits: Could Paying for SRM Deployment Offset CO2 Emissions? (SRM360)
CSEi Welcomes B. B. Cael as a New Faculty Member Focused on Carbon Dioxide Removal, Solar Geoengineering (The University of Chicago)
What Do the Announcements From the New US Administration Mean for SRM? (SRM360)
Why making clouds brighter could fight climate change (BBC Science Focus)
Managing the Security Risks of Geoengineering (Lawfare)
What Can We Learn About SRM From Climate Modelling? (SRM360)
Ten teams receive renewed funding to model the impacts of solar radiation modification (The Degrees Initiative)
How to Cool a Warming Planet (Deep Learning)
What Does 2024’s Breach of 1.5°C Mean for SRM? (SRM360)
The Technical Feasibility and Costs of SAI (SRM360)
How Should We Interpret the Ethical Implications of Solar Radiation Management? (Sustainability Directory)
Could SAI Delay the Recovery of the Ozone Layer? (SRM360)
Blocking sun to fight climate change (The Financial Express)
Could SAI Replace the Lost Cooling Effect From Cleaning Up Air Pollution? (SRM360)
Marine Cloud Brightening (SRM360)
Chile team finds SRM shows potential to reduce glacier loss in the Andes (The Degrees Initiative)
BOOK
Geoengineering and Climate Change: Methods, Risks, and Governance (Edited by Martin Beech)
REPORTS
Solar Geoengineering in 2024: Rays of Hope, Clouds of Doubt (Solar Geoengineering Updates)
Geoengineering, the Climate Threat, and the Canadian Arctic (NAADSN)
Strategic Foresight Toolkit for Resilient Public Policy (OECD)
The Solar Geoengineering Ecosystem: Key Actors Across the Landscape of the Field -Updated Report (SDG)
THESIS
Planetary Sunshade for Solar Geoengineering: Precursor Mission for Shading the Solar Radiation Reflected by the Moon
UPCOMING EVENTS
Truth Seekers Monday Movie Night: The Dimming, a climate engineering documentary | 10 February 2025 | United States
Clear Skies, Clear Minds: Harnessing Open Research to Find Climate Solutions by Climate Systems Engineering Initiative | 13 February 2025 | University of Chicago
What if we could make more ice by Centre for Climate Repair | 13 February 2025 | University of Cambridge
Towards a European Blueprint for Responsible Solar Radiation Modification Research by Co-Create | 14 February 2025 | Online
Science Revealed - Dean's Lecture Series featuring Gwynne Dyer (lecture on geoengineering and climate change) by TRU Faculty of Science | 19 February 2025 | Canada
What if clouds could be more reflective by Centre for Climate Repair | 27 February 2025 | University of Cambridge
Solar radiation modification: What are the technologies, and what are the risks? by Scientific Advice Mechanism to the European Commission | 11 March 2025 | Online
International Conference on Arctic Research Planning IV Summit and Arctic Science Summit Week IASC | 20-28 March 2025 | Boulder, Colorado, USA
Climate Intervention: Distraction or Necessity? by Center for Climate Repair | 21 March 2025
2025 Solar Radiation Management Annual Meeting by Simons Foundation | 24-25 April 2025 | New York
The 2025 Degrees Global Forum | 12-16 May 2025 | Cape Town, South Africa
Consultative Workshop and Science-Policy Dialogue on Solar Radiation Modification by UNEP | 19-20 May 2025 | Switzerland
Artic Repair Conference 2025 by University of Cambridge & Center for Climate Repair | 26-28 June 2025 | Cambridge UK
idge UK
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JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Executive Director at Arête Glacier Initiative | United States
"Arête Glacier Initiative is a new, ambitious, mission-driven nonprofit established to provide humanity with the options to manage and reduce the risks of catastrophic sea-level rise. We aim to better understand the risk of catastrophic sea-level rise and assess the feasibility of novel and potentially transformative interventions to stabilize ice sheets. Our goal is to fund, coordinate, and accelerate research to enable informed decisions regarding these interventions. We achieve this by advancing and funding an ambitious scientific agenda; fostering collaboration among glaciologists, philanthropists, and policymakers; and driving a forward-looking policy agenda that includes renewed government investments in the Antarctic."
Communications & Events Manager at The Alliance for Just Deliberation on Solar Geoengineering | Deadline to Apply: 01 March 2025
The Alliance for Just Deliberation on Solar Geoengineering (DSG) is a fully remote organization that was launched in April 2023 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission to work towards just and inclusive deliberation about research and potential use of solar geoengineering (also known as solar radiation management, or SRM).
Vertical Legal Borrowing at University of Tasmania
"Project Title: Building international law from the bottom up: Vertical Legal Borrowing as a Pathway to Govern Climate Intervention Technologies
The aim of this PhD project is to evaluate how domestic law can provide lessons for international governance of climate intervention through a process of 'vertical legal borrowing.' Domestic governance provides opportunities for legal experimentation, where mechanisms can be tested and refined to inform the development of an international legal framework for climate intervention."
PODCASTS
SRM experts' opinions - McEvoy | Reviewer 2 does geoengineering
“David McEvoy discusses expert opinions on SRM. What do they think, and how do we know? The strategic and governance implications of solar radiation modification: perspectives from delegates of international climate negotiations Todd L Cherry et al 2025 Environ. Res. Lett. 20 014053 DOI 10.1088/1748-9326/ad9d62”
What is Stratospheric Aerosol Injection (SAI)? | Climate Reflections: The SRM360 Podcast
"On June 15th, 1991, the densely populated island of Luzon in the Philippines awoke to an explosion that would turn out to be the second largest volcanic eruption of the 20th century. Mount Pinatubo had erupted, releasing a huge cloud of volcanic ash, hundreds of kilometers across and 40 kilometers high. As satellites tracked the ash cloud spread around the globe several times over, atmospheric scientists noted that over the next year, the Earth's global temperature had decreased by as much as half a degree Celsius. The eruption had added around 17 million tons of sulfur dioxide into the stratosphere, a layer of the atmosphere between 10 and 50 kilometers above the surface. And this sulfur had gone on to form countless tiny aerosol particles. In the lower atmosphere, these particles would have been washed out in days, but because the stratosphere is dry and stable, these particles lasted for several years, reflecting light, and cooling the Earth.
Could the climate cooling effect of this eruption be replicated as a way to help tackle climate change? In this episode, we focus on the basics of the sunlight reflection method known as Stratospheric Aerosol Injection, or SAI, an SRM idea that looks like it could offer a practical means of halting or even reversing global warming within a few years. What is SAI? What would it take to cool the planet? And who could do it?
Featuring Dr. Daniele Visioni, an Assistant Professor of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at Cornell University and Dr. Joshua Horton, a Senior Program Fellow at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University."
Can solar geoengineering fix the climate? | Storylines
"In an empty parking lot somewhere in northern California, Andrew Song and Luke Iseman inflate a balloon the size of a small car, full of sulfur dioxide. They will then launch the balloon high up into the stratosphere where it will pop, releasing its sulfur dioxide contents.
Song and Iseman are the co-founders of Make Sunsets, a geoengineering startup that sells cooling credits. For a price, you can purchase a bit of the sulfur dioxide they’re pumping into these balloons and launching into the stratosphere, with the belief it will offset the warming effects of CO2.
Because if you send enough sulfur dioxide into the stratosphere --- we’re talking a million tonnes a year --- it’ll significantly cool our warming planet. But the idea raises scores of complicated scientific and moral dilemmas.
In this documentary, John Chipman goes to California to learn about the potential risks and benefits of solar geoengineering."
News Roundup: Hottest Year, SRM Under Trump, International SRM Discussions, And More | Climate Reflections: The SRM360 Podcast
"2024 was the hottest year on record. Could that change how policymakers think about SRM? How might the new administration in the US approach SRM? Do experts think countries will effectively develop international SRM regulations? We discuss a recent paper examining the topic, and find that the outlook is not optimistic. We also discuss another recent study which found that although SAI would cause some deaths, implementing SAI could still save hundreds of thousands of lives for every 1 degree C of cooling, thanks to its reduction in climate change-caused heat-related deaths. Finally, we explore a new book chapter on Cirrus cloud thinning, and answer a question from our listeners.
To discuss the latest SRM news, Climate Reflections Host Pete Irvine is joined by Blaž Gasparini, a Senior Scientist at the University of Vienna in Austria, and an expert in Cirrus clouds, Claudia Wieners, an Assistant Professor in Climate Physics at Utrecht University in the Netherlands studying the impacts of Stratospheric Aerosol Injection (SAI) on Atlantic circulation, and Shuchi Talati, a climate technology governance expert and founder and Executive Director of the Alliance for Just Deliberation on Solar Geoengineering."
2025 trends: aerosols, oil demand, and carbon removal | Catalyst with Shyle Kann
"Nat Bullard’s 200-page slide deck with data from across the energy transition. Nat is the former chief content officer at BloombergNEF and current co-founder at data insights company Halcyon.
In part one of their two-part conversation, Shayle cherry-picked the most interesting slides and sat down with Nat to unpack them. They cover topics like:
-Accidental solar geoengineering and the state of aerosols
-The United States’ record-setting fossil fuels exports
-Whether Chinese oil demand is peaking
Conflicting indicators for the state of ESG investing
-Whether you can have too many carbon removal startups"
YOUTUBE VIDEOS
Climate Engineering Is Coming, But Not Like You Think | Sabine Hossenfelder
"Climate engineering is a last ditch effort to protect humans from climate change – and we’re getting closer every day. Unfortunately, attempts of scientists to study the consequences of climate engineering have been stalled by environmental activists repeatedly. It’s a problem because climate engineering will come, and we would be better off if we understood the consequences."
Geoengineering part 1: the case to try modifying the climate | The Conversation
"Geoengineering, the modification of the climate using technological interventions to reverse climate change, is a hugely divisive issue and we’ve decided to explore it in two episodes.
In this first episode, we talk to scientists working on potential geoengineering technologies who argue the case for conducting research into these interventions. We speak to Shaun Fitzgerald, director of the Centre for Climate Repair at the University of Cambridge in the UK and Hugh Hunt, deputy director at the Centre, as well as Ben Kravitz, assistant professor of Earth and atmospheric sciences at Indiana University in the US. We're also joined by Stacy Morford, environment and climate editor at The Conversation in the US."
Geoengineering part 2: the case against reflecting sunlight to cool the Earth | The Conversation
"In the second of two episodes on geoengineering, we hear the case against trying to reflect sunlight to cool the Earth.
Solar radiation modification has attracted attention and investment in recent years as a way to potential reverse the effects of climate change, but it remains a controversial idea.
We hear from researchers pushing a non-use agreement for solar geoengineering who explain why they believe these types of technologies are a dangerous distraction from what needs to be done to reduce fossil fuel emissions.
Featuring Chukwumerije Okereke, professor in global governance and public policy at the University of Bristol, and Co-Director at the Center for Climate Change and Development at Alex Ekwueme Federal University in Nigeria and Aarti Gupta, professor of global environmental governance at Wageningen University in the Netherlands. And responses from Shaun Fitzgerald at the Centre for Climate Change at the University of Cambridge in the UK."
Solar radiation modification: What should Europe’s strategy be? | Scientific Advice Mechanism
"Solar Radiation Modification (SRM) covers a range of technologies that have the potential to cool the Earth’s climate. SRM is therefore the subject of intense and controversial debate around whether it might provide a means to tackle global warming and the devastating impacts of climate change.
What are SRM technologies, what do we know about them, and what are they designed to do? How might they be deployed, what are the risks, and possible consequences? What are the attitudes and interests of stakeholders, such as the public, business and politicians? What strategy and policy should Europe adopt on the research and possible deployment of SRM?"
Climate Interventions: Will Humans Control the Atmosphere? | Dubai Future Forum
"Speakers:
-Dr Renzo Taddei, Federal University of Sao Paulo
-Matthias Honegger, International Center for Future Generations
-Dr Lorena Sabino, University of the Philippines Los Baños"
Solar Climate Intervention Virtual Symposium 15 (Dr. Asutosh Acharya & Dr. Pornampai Narenpitak) | Solar Climate Intervention Talks
"Solar Climate Intervention Virtual Symposium 15
Dr. Asutosh Acharya (Aurassure, India) : "South Asian Summer Monsoon under Stratospheric Aerosol Intervention."
Dr. Pornampai Narenpitak (NECTEC, Thailand) : "Regional Impacts of SRM on Precipitation in Mainland Southeast Asia."
Stratospheric Aerosol Injection is Explored at WashU with $1.5 Million Grant to Fight Global Warming | HEC Science & Technology
"Wildfires spark new research in the Aerosol Interdisciplinary Research Group’s lab, AIR Lab, at Washington University in St. Louis. Principal Investigator Rajan Chakrabarty is igniting new areas of study after his “wildfire chasing” in the western U.S. in 2019.
His team discovered how stealthy dark brown carbon particles in wildfires probably result in much more climate warming than previously recognized. The discoveries turned Chakrabarty’s attention to the stratosphere.
“Once emitted into the stratosphere, the particles can cause enhanced warming in the stratosphere. The lifetime of these particles is up to six months,” he said.
Now, aerosols for potential stratospheric aerosol injection (SAI) are tested in Chakrabarty’s lab with a $1.5 million grant from the Simons Foundation International. The team is interested in the idea of arming the stratosphere with particles that reflect light, for a cooling effect."
Solar Radiation Modification: Ethics, Equity, and Governance Post-COP29 | Research Society of International Law
"In this episode, Maha Husain speaks with Hassaan Sipra, Director of Global Engagement at the Alliance for Just Deliberation on Solar Geoengineering (DSG). He shares insights into the science, ethics, and governance of solar radiation modification (SRM) and its implications for global climate policy."
AGU24 Roundtable: Experts discuss geoengineering ethics and COP29 | AGU
"This media roundtable was recorded at AGU's 2024 Annual Meeting on 10 December 2024.
Join experts in climate science, ethics, and policy for a media roundtable on establishing a set of globally recognized ethical principles for climate intervention research.
At COP29, AGU’s delegation and its partners actively engaged with a diverse audience—including researchers, scientists, governments, nongovernmental organizations, philanthropic institutions, and the private sector—to promote and foster meaningful dialogue on the Ethical Framework Principles for Climate Intervention Research.
Released in October, the framework provides comprehensive guidelines to ensure climate intervention research is conducted responsibly, transparently, and equitably. The framework was facilitated by AGU and advised by a global panel of experts and draws on ethical precedents established in other emerging fields with unknown consequences, such as biomedical research and genetic engineering, to guide research, funding, and policy proposals."
Climate Engineering and the Napkin Diagram | Climate Emergency Forum
"In this panel discussion from COP29 in Baku, host Herb Simmens, and experts Hugh Hunt, and Paul Beckwith explore the controversial topic of Climate Engineering and the Napkin Diagram.
The conversation delves into the urgent need for a multi-faceted approach to combat climate change, including emissions reduction, carbon dioxide removal (CDR), and solar radiation management (SRM). The panelists argue that traditional methods alone may not be sufficient to address the rapidly escalating climate crisis.
Hugh Hunt, from the Center for Climate Repair at Cambridge University, introduces the Napkin Diagram, illustrating the potential role of SRM in mitigating temperature rise. Paul Beckwith, a prolific climate educator, emphasizes the acceleration of extreme weather events and the failure of natural carbon sinks, highlighting the critical need for innovative solutions. Both experts stress the importance of research into SRM techniques, despite the controversy surrounding them.
The discussion also touches on the challenges of introducing SRM into mainstream climate conversations, including political resistance and concerns about moral hazard. The panelists address the potential of SRM to mitigate risks associated with climate tipping points, such as the potential collapse of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC). They conclude by advocating for more research and small-scale experiments to better understand the impacts and potential benefits of climate engineering techniques."
Draper Decentralized 01/07/25: MAKE SUNSETS | DraperTV
"Make Sunsets Wraps Up 2024 with Strong Sales Growth and Cooling Milestones
Draper University was founded by venture capitalist Tim Draper with the mission to inspire people and accelerate ideas by igniting the entrepreneurial spirit globally. Come join 900+ alumni who have launched their own startups, raised $220+M in venture funding and who work with leading technology companies to foster innovation. Live and learn in Silicon Valley during the 5-week fully immersive program and go from human to hero."
Could there be a just solar geoengineering?—w/ Shuchi Talati, Founder of The Alliance for Just Deliberation on Solar Geoengineering | Reversing Climate Change
"Solar geoengineering. It's not just a question of whether or not to do it, but of how it might be done and why.
This week we are joined by Shuchi Talati, founder of The Alliance for Just Deliberation on Solar Geoengineering, to talk about who is making decisions about solar geoengineering and whether or not populations most vulnerable to climate change have a seat at the table.
Solar geoengineering or “Solar Radiation Modification/Management (SRM)” is the large-scale and intentional intervention to increase the amount of sunlight reflected back into space. The purpose is to temporarily limit temperature increase.
Shuchi walks us through why the Alliance is not for or against SRM, why refusing to discuss or research RSM is potentially an inherently privileged standpoint, and why she believes we should center voices from regions already experiencing horrific climate impacts.
Shuchi walks us through why the Alliance is not for or against SRM, why refusing to discuss or research RSM is potentially an inherently privileged standpoint, and why she believes we should center voices from regions already experiencing horrific climate impacts.
Listen in to find out who is currently researching SRM, what the potential risks and benefits are, and how the Alliance plans to make such a controversial topic more open and accessible."
Big Picture: Debating Climate Interventions | Arctic Frontiers
The Risk of Doing vs. Not Doing Solar Geoengineering w/David Keith | Climate Chat
"In this Climate Chat episode, returning guest, climate scientist David Keith joins us to discuss new research on the projected death tolls from implementing vs. not implementing solar geoengineering (a.k.a., Solar Radiation Management or Sunlight Reflection Methods - SRM). David was co-author of a new paper in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences titled "Impact of solar geoengineering on temperature-attributable mortality."
DEADLINES
Call for Abstracts—Session: "Solar Radiation Modification and its Impacts Across Asia and Oceania", at the Asia Oceania Geosciences Society (AOGS) 2025 Meeting (July 27–Aug 1, Singapore) | Deadline to submit abstract: 18 February 2025
Call for Proposals-Solar Radiation Management | Deadline to apply: 27 February 2025
Call for Abstract—Arctic Repair 2025, Cambridge | Deadline to submit abstract: 28 February 2025
Call for Proposals—The Degrees Initiative has a new special call for proposals open to fund SRM modelling studies in developing countries | Deadline to apply: 01 March 2025