PNNL

Abstract

Geo-engineering is gaining attention as a potential addition to the menu of responses, with particular attention paid to "solar radiation management" or "sunlight reduction methods" (SRM). If the climate sensitivity is high or if the sensitivity of some key impact to climate changes is high, SRM, in addition to emissions mitigation, would be needed to meet some policy targets, such as limiting global temperature increases to under 2°C. The conditions under which SRM might be considered are the same conditions that require substantial emissions reductions, which means that SRM does not substitute for emissions reductions.