Reflecting Sunlight To Reduce Climate Risk: Priorities For Research And International Cooperation

This report explores an additional tool to address climate change: sunlight reflection. Patrick argues correctly that the potential of sunlight reflection (until recently more commonly known as geoengineering) should be scrutinized. While the science is in its infancy, the idea is simple: to reduce the heating effect of solar radiation by reflecting the sun's rays back from the earth to block about 1 percent of incoming sunlight. Two main approaches exist. One method would entail dispersing aerosols or other particulates into the stratosphere, while the other would involve spraying salt crystals from the ocean to brighten low-lying marine clouds. Patrick argues that such action would not serve as an alternative to the three existing climate change strategies noted above but rather as a complement. This Council Special Report builds a compelling case for investigating sunlight reflection as a potential element of a larger strategy.

• | Author: Stewart M. Patrick
• | Publisher: Council on Foreign Relations
• | Publication Date: May 03, 2022
• | Number of Pages: 75 pages
• | Language: English
• | Binding: Paperback
• | ISBN-10: 0876094493
• | ISBN-13: 9780876094495