One atmosphere: an independent expert review on solar radiation modification research and deployment

Solar Radiation Modifications (SRM) a speculative group of technologies to cool the Earth is being explored as climate action lags requires far more research into its risks and benefits before any consideration for potential deployment, according to an Expert Panel convened by the UNEP. The report by the panel finds that SRM is not yet ready for large-scale deployment to cool the Earth. The panel says it is no substitute for a rapid reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, which must remain the global priority. Emergency temporary measures such as SRM are being raised in scientific and public discourse since global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are not on track to meet the 1.5°C Paris Agreement goal. Climate change continues to worsen, with some of its impacts already irreversible. SRM aims to cool the Earth rapidly by reflecting a small percentage of sunlight back into space. While some SRM technologies, like Stratospheric Aerosol Injections (SAI), are more mature and outdoor experiments are being actively pursued, the review finds critical unresolved issues overall. There are significant uncertainties on the social and environmental impacts of SRM, and its safety and viability, according to a review of the scientific research by the multidisciplinary expert panel. SRM does not address the causes of climate change, so it will not fix or change the impacts we are already experiencing, the panel finds.