Graphic
Could SRM undermine emissions cuts?
Sunlight reflection methods (SRM) could cool the planet, but there are fears it could delay progress on emissions cuts and carbon removal.
GLOBAL TEMPERATURE INCREASE
IF SRM DELAYS PROGRESS
Delays would also commit future generations to SRM (or global warming) for longer.
Delaying emissions cuts would increase the amount of cooling needed from SRM.
4.0°C
3.5
3.0
2.5
2.0
1.5
Climate policy without SRM
1.0
Climate policy with SRM
0.5
0
2000
2100
2200
2300
2400
Source: Based on Boselius et al. (2025), Oxford Open Climate Change
GLOBAL TEMPERATURE INCREASE
4.0°C
IF SRM DELAYS PROGRESS
Delaying emissions cuts would increase the amount of cooling needed from SRM.
3.5
Delays would also commit future generations to SRM (or global warming) for longer.
3.0
2.5
Climate policy without SRM
2.0
1.5
1.0
Climate policy with SRM
0.5
2000
2050
2100
2150
2200
2250
2300
2350
2400
Source: Based on Boselius et al. (2025), Oxford Open Climate Change