A growing number of scientists, philanthropies and companies are investigating new strategies to lower global temperatures. EDF is conducting policy-relevant scientific research to better understand their potential impacts.  

What is Solar Radiation Modification?

Solar radiation modification (SRM) is a deliberate intervention into the climate system to temporarily reduce the earth’s temperature. Also referred to as solar geoengineering, this idea involves reflecting incoming sunlight back into space. Scientists are exploring a number of methods, including injecting aerosols into the stratosphere and increasing the brightness of marine clouds.

Infographic illustrating Solar Radiation Modification, with solar rays bouncing off aerosols being released from planes in the stratosphere
Scientists are studying whether it’s possible to reflect incoming radiation back into space to reduce the Earth’s temperature. One method of Solar Radiation Modification (SRM) is to release aerosols into the stratosphere which would reflect sunlight.

Research suggests that these methods could potentially lower global temperatures relatively quickly. However, those impacts would be temporary and would not address the root causes of climate change or other problems like ocean acidification.  

That’s why it’s critical that we remain focused on driving the transition to clean energy and reducing climate pollution. However, interest in this technology is growing, and it has the potential to be a high-impact tool to temporarily reduce climate harms. Therefore, we need to better understand the impacts and possible unintended consequences SRM may bring.  

EDF’s new SRM program

EDF is beginning policy-relevant research on SRM and its impacts, and we’re focusing on stratospheric aerosol injection (SAI) as a priority. We have a history of collaborating with academics, businesses, philanthropies, NGOs and governments to expand the scientific understanding of some of the world’s biggest environmental challenges.  

What’s next?

We’re engaging a diverse group of scientists to implement our research agenda. And because we know this technology has the potential to impact communities around the world, we will share our findings in a transparent, timely manner.  

Our ultimate goal is to create a pathway for governments to support publicly-funded research that can inform future decision making on SRM in the coming decades.

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MEDIA CONTACT

Anne Marie Borrego

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