Using a risk risk framework to guide research and support decision making on the use or non use of solar radiation modification

CAMILLONI, I.A.

Kingston

Conferencia; Americas Conference on Solar Radiation Modification: Science, Governance and Implications for the Region; 2022

The Degrees Initiative, IAI and C2G

Climate change poses multiple, interacting risks to human society and the environment which are only expected to worsen with additional warming. Managing these risks going forward requires a portfolio of policy responses. Mitigation strategies (which include both the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and the removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere (CDR)) must remain the policy focus, as they are the only means for addressing the root cause of climate change. However, it may be extremely difficult to meet the global warming temperature goals of 1.5 or 2°C stipulated in the Paris Agreement on climate with mitigation alone. Further, as CO2 (the primary driver of current climate change) has a long lifetime in the atmosphere, CO2 and temperatures are likely to remain elevated for hundreds of years in the absence of net-negative emissions. Adaptation may help reduce risks associated with a particular level of warming but is limited in its effectiveness and sustainability. For these reasons, solar radiation modification has been proposed as a complementary approach for quickly reducing many of the near-term risks of global warming and possibly helping to avoid irreversible climate tipping points while increased efforts are made to bring down atmospheric GHG concentrations.