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.
GLOBAL TEMPERATURE INCREASE
If SRM deployment suddenly and permanently stopped, temperatures would rapidly rise in what’s called a “termination shock”.
3.5°C
No SRM
3.0
2.5
SRM interrupted indefinitely
2.0
SRM interrupted for 1 year
1.5
SRM continues
1.0
2040
’50
’60
’70
’80
’90
2100
But, if the deployment were restarted within a few months, this rapid warming could be avoided.
Source: Based on results from Farley et al. (2024), Environmental Research Climate
GLOBAL TEMPERATURE INCREASE
But, if the deployment were restarted within a few months, this rapid warming could be avoided.
If SRM deployment suddenly and permanently stopped, temperatures would rapidly rise in what’s called a “termination shock”.
3.5°C
3.5°C
No SRM
No SRM
3.0
3.0
2.5
2.5
SRM interrupted indefinitely
SRM interrupted for 1 year
2.0
2.0
1.5
1.5
1.0
1.0
2040
’50
’60
’70
’80
’90
2100
2040
’50
’60
’70
’80
’90
2100
Source: Based on results from Farley et al. (2024), Environmental Research Climate