Problem Statement

Aerosol Injection is an idea to help cool down the Earth by putting tiny, shiny particles high up in the sky to reflect some of the Sun’s heat. But people don’t know if this idea will be safe or if it will work well. Many people also don’t know much about it, which makes them feel unsure and a bit worried. It’s important to help everyone understand this idea better and decide if it is a good way to help with climate change.

Benefit 1

Global Cooling Potential: It can reduce solar radiation reaching the Earth's surface, which could lower global temperatures relatively quickly and help curb the effects of climate change.

Benefit 2

Slows Ice Melt and Sea-Level Rise: By cooling the planet, it could slow down the melting of glaciers and polar ice caps, potentially reducing the rate of sea-level rise and its impacts on coastal communities.

Benefit 3

Buys Time for Emissions Reductions: It could provide a temporary buffer, slowing warming to allow more time for transitioning to sustainable energy sources and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Concern 1

Environmental Impact: The long-term effects on atmospheric composition, weather patterns, and ecosystems remain uncertain. Altered precipitation patterns could potentially disrupt agriculture, water supply, and biodiversity.

Concern 2

Technical Feasibility: Deployment at a meaningful scale requires advanced technologies and international collaboration, which may be hindered by cost, resource constraints, and technical limitations in accurately dispersing aerosols across the stratosphere.

Concern 3

Ethical and Governance Issues: Deployment raises ethical questions about humanity’s right to modify planetary systems, potential impacts on vulnerable populations, and the risk of over-reliance on geoengineering as a "quick fix" for climate change rather than addressing root causes, such as greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, governance frameworks to regulate and oversee SAI on an international scale are largely undeveloped.