Topic
The Climate Context
SRM is being considered because of the severe and rising impacts of climate change, alongside insufficient international progress in addressing its human cause: the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
This page provides the climate context in which SRM is being considered, exploring the role of different climate policies, the main concerns driving SRM discussions, and highlighting issues which SRM would not address, such as ocean acidification.
Featured Content
Every Tonne of CO2 Adds to Global Warming
Every tonne of carbon dioxide (CO2) emitted drives up temperatures and does so almost linearly: if twice as much is emitted, the planet will warm roughly twice as much. This simple rule of thumb is the scientific foundation of today’s climate policy, but could sunlight reflection methods or solar radiation modification (SRM) undermine it?
By Kimberly Samuels-Crow, Pete Irvine
SRM Cannot Address Ocean Acidification
Emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) are the main driver of global warming, but CO2 also poses another pro...
6 min read
Will Climate Change Become Unbearable When the World Reaches 1.5°C or 2°C?
In 2015, almost all countries agreed to try to limit warming to 1.5°C to 2°C above the pre-industrial average. However, the...
6 min read
With Arctic Tipping Points So Close, We Cannot Ignore SRM
Viktor Jaakkola of Operaatio Arktis argues that the rapid climate changes in the Arctic and the likelihood of key tipping poi...
5 min read
articles
Will Climate Change Become Unbearable When the World Reaches 1.5°C or 2°C?
In 2015, almost all countries agreed to try to limit warming to 1.5°C to 2°C above the pre-industrial average. However, the...
6 min read
SRM Cannot Address Ocean Acidification
Emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) are the main driver of global warming, but CO2 also poses another pro...
6 min read
Every Tonne of CO2 Adds to Global Warming
Every tonne of carbon dioxide (CO2) emitted drives up temperatures and does so almost linearly: if twice as much i...
5 min read
infographics
Global Temperature Change with and without Human Influence
Climate models show that observed warming can only be reproduced in climate model simulations if human actions, including greenhouse gas emissions, are included.
Ocean acidification and marine life
Effects of acidic waters on the shells of pteropods, tiny marine mollusks:
Acid rain is declining after pollution cuts
Emissions of nitrogen oxides and sulphur dioxide are the leading contributors to acid rain. Emissions of both peaked around t...
Surface Albedo
Reflectivity, also known as albedo, ranges from 0 to 100%. Highly reflective surfaces have an albedo closer to 100% while surfaces that absorb sunlight have an albedo closer to zero.