Solar Radiation Management: The Magic Wand to turn the Climate Catastrophe?

In the previous editions of What's going on?, titled "Has the Paris Agreement Failed?", we examined the stark reality of climate change and the limitations of current international efforts to combat climate change. That discussion raised critical questions about the viability of achieving the Paris Agreement’s ambitious goals and concluded with a commitment to explore geoengineering techniques like Solar Radiation Management (SRM). This follow-up delves into SRM, unpacking its potential to mitigate global warming, the ethical dilemmas it presents, and its relevance in bridging the gap between ambition and action in the fight against climate change.

In 2024, a research team led by Dr Thierry C. Fotso-Nguemo from Cameroon's National Institute of Cartography investigated Solar Radiation Management (SRM) and its potential effects on water availability in Central Africa. Focusing on four major river basins—the Niger, Lake Chad, Cameroon Atlantic, and Congo Basins—the study revealed that, under a worst-case climate scenario, the Cameroon Atlantic Basin could experience up to a 60% reduction in water availability by 2100. However, when SRM techniques were applied in the models, this deficit was mitigated to a 10% reduction, suggesting that SRM could play a role in preserving essential water resources in the region. This research highlights the potential of SRM as an interim solution to some of the most severe consequences of climate change, offering hope while raising critical ethical and governance questions.

Could SRM be the magic wand to turn Article 2 of the Paris Agreement into reality?

This question underscores the urgency of exploring innovative solutions to combat climate change.

The Degrees Initiative co-hosted an official side event at COP29 Azerbaijan titled 'Solar Radiation Modification: A Conversation on Governance and Research.' This gathering brought together experts to discuss the future of SRM research and policy, emphasizing the importance of including diverse perspectives in SRM discussions. Anita Nzeh , Policy Engagement Manager at The Degrees Initiative , highlighted the urgency, stating,

"If we don’t discuss this now, when do we discuss it?"

The event underscored the need for inclusive and equitable governance to guide decisions on SRM.

One might ask: what is SRM?

SRM involves techniques designed to reflect sunlight away from the Earth to reduce global temperatures. Key methods include:

1. Stratospheric Aerosol Injection (SAI): Dispersing reflective particles, such as sulfur dioxide (SO2), into the stratosphere. The SO2 particles act as reflectants (like a plenty tiny mirrors placed in the stratosphere). Some scentists say SRM mimics the cooling effects of volcanic eruptions drawing on evidence from the 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo, which lowered global temperatures by about 0.5°C for nearly two years.
2. Marine Cloud Brightening (MCB): Enhancing the reflectivity of marine clouds by introducing fine sea salt particles, increasing their ability to reflect sunlight.
3. Space-Based Reflectors: Positioning mirrors or reflective materials in space to deflect sunlight before it reaches Earth.
4. Surface Albedo Modification: Lightning urban areas or agricultural landscapes to increase their reflectivity.

While these techniques offer significant potential, their feasibility and impacts remain subjects of ongoing research.

Ethical Concerns and Governance Challenges

Despite its promise, SRM raises profound ethical concerns. Manipulating the Earth’s climate could have unintended consequences, such as altered precipitation patterns or adverse effects on biodiversity. Moreover, questions of fairness loom large. Who decides when and how SRM should be deployed? Regions already bearing the brunt of climate change—often in the Global South—could face disproportionate risks.

The Degrees Initiative aims to address these concerns by funding and facilitating research in developing countries. In Africa, studies supported by the initiative investigate SRM’s potential to mitigate water deficits and other climate impacts.

These efforts ensure that vulnerable communities contribute to and benefit from the global conversation on SRM, rather than being sidelined.

Learning from Mount Pinatubo

The 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines is a natural experiment for SRM. The eruption released millions of tons of sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere. This volcano created a reflective aerosol layer that temporarily cooled the planet. While this event demonstrated the cooling potential of stratospheric aerosols, it also revealed the risks, including reduced rainfall in some regions. These lessons underscore the importance of thorough research before implementing SRM on a large scale.

The Green Africa Youth Organization (GAYO)

The Green Africa Youth Organization (GAYO) has been instrumental in advancing education and research on climate interventions, including SRM. In collaboration with the Department of Physics at the University of Ghana , GAYO organized a free short course on Solar Radiation Modification (SRM) and Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) in June 2024. Subsequent sessions were organized in partnership with University of Energy and Natural Resources and University of Environment and Sustainable Development . This initiative, the first in Africa, aimed to bridge the knowledge gap in these critical areas, particularly in the Global South, where interest and expertise remain limited. Participants were introduced to both the theoretical and practical aspects of SRM and CDR through expert presentations and interactive discussions. By fostering such collaborations and educational efforts, GAYO continues to empower local communities and institutions to contribute meaningfully to global climate solutions and policy dialogues, ensuring that Africa's voice is strongly represented in shaping the future of SRM.

This course was just the commencement of GAYO's broader mission to bridge knowledge gaps and foster collaboration on climate interventions. Building on this momentum, GAYO organized the 'Climate Interventions Workshop: Bridging Knowledge Gaps and Fostering Collaborative Research' in October 2024. This event brought together academics, policymakers, and youth leaders to explore innovative solutions, such as SRM and Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR), through in-depth discussions and collaborative sessions.

The Role of COP29

At COP29 Azerbaijan , SRM took centre stage during discussions on innovative climate solutions. Professor Nana Ama Browne Klutse emphasized the urgency of expanding SRM research while addressing its ethical and governance challenges. Her presentation highlighted the importance of integrating local expertise and perspectives into global SRM strategies, ensuring that the technology serves as a tool for equitable climate action rather than a source of division.

A Balancing Act

Solar Radiation Management offers a glimpse of what might be possible in the fight against climate change. Reflecting sunlight to cool the planet could buy time for societies to transition to sustainable energy systems and achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement. However, SRM is not a cure-all. Its deployment must be guided by rigorous research, ethical considerations, and global cooperation to avoid exacerbating existing inequalities.

The stakes are high, and our actions today will shape the planet’s future.

As organizations like Green Africa Youth Organization (GAYO) and The Degrees Initiative had demonstrated, inclusive and informed discussions are essential for navigating the complex challenges of SRM.

While the path ahead is uncertain, the potential for innovation and resilience offers hope in the face of a warming world.