Report on Solar Geoengineering Released by the White House

Solar radiation modification has long been confined to the realm of science fiction. However, with the devastating effects of climate change becoming increasingly evident, some argue that climate intervention might be less risky than the consequences of unchecked global warming.

While solar radiation management may help mitigate the dangers of extreme heat, often referred to as “the silent killer,” it fails to address other aspects of climate change like ocean acidification and air pollution.

The White House report focuses on two methods of solar geoengineering: stratospheric aerosol injection, which involves releasing particles into the upper atmosphere to reflect sunlight, and marine cloud brightening, which aims to enhance the reflectivity of specific clouds by injecting sea salt or using alternative techniques.

However, this research remains disjointed and incomplete, leaving significant gaps to be filled. Establishing a research plan would enable the United States to be prepared for potential solar radiation modification initiatives initiated by other governments or private entities.

Solar radiation management offers the advantage of rapid action. “SRM offers the possibility of significantly cooling the planet within a few years,” according to the report.

However, it also poses numerous unknown risks, referred to as “known unknowns” in the White House report.

For example, stratospheric aerosol injection could expedite ozone depletion and harm biodiversity. Other known unknowns include potential changes in precipitation patterns, sea-level rise, terrestrial vegetation, coral reefs, crop production, and overall ecosystem changes. Solar radiation modification could also have adverse effects on human health by increasing particulate matter.

Given this context, the White House report proposes a “‘risk vs. risk’ approach,” wherein solar geoengineering would be thoroughly studied to quantify the specific risks associated with its deployment versus the risks of not implementing it.

It is imperative to recognize that solar radiation modification is not a permanent solution. The only effective approach in mitigating the impacts of climate change lies in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The White House report emphasizes that research into solar radiation modification should complement existing efforts in greenhouse gas emissions mitigation and adaptation.

Similarly, the European Union has also addressed solar geoengineering and concluded that it is not a climate solution. Insufficient understanding of the implications of such interventions hinders their deployment. However, the European Union supports international, collaborative research on this topic.