Graphic
Termination shock
Sunlight reflection methods (SRM) only provide a temporary cooling effect, which would need to be maintained for decades to offset global warming. If SRM deployment suddenly and permanently stopped, temperatures would rapidly rise in what’s called a “termination shock”.
GLOBAL TEMPERATURE INCREASE
3.5°C
No SRM
3.0
2.5
SRM interrupted
2.0
1.5
1.0
2040
’50
’60
’70
’80
’90
2100
Source: Based on results from Farley et al. (2024), Environmental Research Climate
GLOBAL TEMPERATURE INCREASE
3.5°C
3.0
2.5
SRM interrupted
No SRM
2.0
1.5
1.0
2040
’50
’60
’70
’80
’90
2100
Source: Based on results from Farley et al. (2024), Environmental Research Climate
Citation
SRM360
(2026) – "Termination shock" [Infographic]. Published online at SRM360.org. Retrieved from: 'https://srm360.org/infographic/termination-shock-2/' [Online Resource]