Graphic
Experts weigh in on SRM
Some results from recent survey of researchers by the New Scientist magazine:
Do you anticipate countries or private groups will attempt to deploy large scale solar radiation modification (SRM) this century?
Yes
66%
No
9%
Don’t know
25%
Does the world need a new international treaty or convention to govern potential deployment of SRM?
No
8%
Yes
81%
Don’t know
11%
Do you agree or disagree with this statement?
“We should consider deploying SRM if the world’s emissions trajectory means we are certain to breach the 2°C global average warming target under the Paris Agreement.”
Neutral
15%
Agree
19%
Disagree
29%
Strongly agree
2%
Strongly disagree
35%
Which of these represent the most serious risks* of solar geoengineering in your view?
Unknown consequences
80%
Environmental consequences
74
Social / political consequences
72
Reduces support to mitigate emissions
68
Agricultural consequences
49
Weaponisation
43
Consequences for human health
28
*Multiple responses allowed.
Source: New Scientist magazine invited nearly 800 researchers to participate in an anonymous online survey about SRM research. All of those polled have contributed to the most recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Assessment Report. A total of 120 researchers responded.
Do you anticipate countries or private groups will attempt to deploy large scale solar radiation modification (SRM) this century?
Does the world need a new international treaty or convention to govern potential deployment of SRM?
Yes
66%
No
8%
Yes
81%
No
9%
Don’t know
11%
Don’t know
25%
Do you agree or disagree with this statement?
“We should consider deploying SRM if the world’s emissions trajectory means we are certain to breach the 2°C global average warming target under the Paris Agreement.”
Neutral
15%
Agree
19%
Disagree
29%
Strongly agree
2%
Strongly disagree
35%
Which of these represent the most serious risks* of solar geoengineering in your view?
Unknown consequences
Environmental consequences
Social / political consequences
Reduces support to mitigate emissions
Agricultural consequences
Weaponisation
Consequences for human health
80%
74
72
68
49
43
28
*Multiple responses allowed.
Source: New Scientist magazine invited nearly 800 researchers to participate in an anonymous online survey about SRM research. All of those polled have contributed to the most recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Assessment Report. A total of 120 researchers responded.
Do you anticipate countries or private groups will attempt to deploy large scale solar radiation modification (SRM) this century?
No
9%
Don’t know
25%
Yes
66%
Source: New Scientist magazine invited nearly 800 researchers to participate in an anonymous online survey about SRM research. All of those polled have contributed to the most recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Assessment Report. A total of 120 researchers responded.
Does the world need a new international treaty or convention to govern potential deployment of SRM?
No
8%
Don’t know
11%
Yes
81%
Source: New Scientist magazine invited nearly 800 researchers to participate in an anonymous online survey about SRM research. All of those polled have contributed to the most recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Assessment Report. A total of 120 researchers responded.
Do you agree or disagree with this statement?
“We should consider deploying SRM if the world’s emissions trajectory means we are certain to breach the 2°C global average warming target under the Paris Agreement.”
Neutral
15%
Agree
19%
Disagree
29%
Strongly agree
2%
Strongly disagree
35%
Source: New Scientist magazine invited nearly 800 researchers to participate in an anonymous online survey about SRM research. All of those polled have contributed to the most recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Assessment Report. A total of 120 researchers responded.
Do you anticipate countries or private groups will attempt to deploy large scale solar radiation modification (SRM) this century?
Unknown consequences
Environmental consequences
Social / political consequences
Reduces support to mitigate emissions
Agricultural consequences
Weaponisation
Consequences for human health
80%
74
72
68
49
43
28
*Multiple responses allowed.
Source: New Scientist magazine invited nearly 800 researchers to participate in an anonymous online survey about SRM research. All of those polled have contributed to the most recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Assessment Report. A total of 120 researchers responded.