Solar Radiation Management's Risks and Opportunities
10/10/24 • 76 min
In this episode I explore the controversial topic of solar geoengineering with Dr. Holly Jean Buck, and Dr. Will Burns, two of the most thorough and interesting thinkers out there when it comes to the topic. Specifically they talk me through the question of “should we ban SRM research”.
There’s a lot these two experts disagree on about SRM, and their back and forth really expanded my thinking on the topic. Together, we break down what SRM is, how it might work, and the different approaches within SRM, such as stratospheric aerosol injection and marine cloud brightening.
This episode provides a nuanced look at SRM as part of the climate action toolkit, I hope it helps you think critically about the role it might play, as it did for me.
Episode Resources
Holly’s Article on SRM research
White House statement on SRM (2023)
Wil’s work on the SRM research ecosystem
Alameda, California Suspends MCB Experiment
Guest-Suggested Articles-
Wil
Clive Hamilton- Geoengineering and the Politics of Science
Holly’s Book After Geoengineering
Holly
Taiwo and Talati- Who are the Engineers?
Wiley Carr- Vulnerable Population’s Perspectives on Climate Engineering
Timestamps
01:26 Urgency of SRM
02:25 Introducing Holly and Will
22:06 State of SRM Research
29:39 Global Players in SRM
43:12 Rules in SRM Governance
46:34 Challenges of Private Sector Involvement
55:22 Conspiracy Theories and Public Perception
01:04:00 Future Prospects
01:07:02 Lightning Round
Leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts ⭐️
For more about the show and more information about episodes, visit Climate on the Edge.
Supported by emrgnce - innovative minds exploring climate’s next frontier.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode I explore the controversial topic of solar geoengineering with Dr. Holly Jean Buck, and Dr. Will Burns, two of the most thorough and interesting thinkers out there when it comes to the topic. Specifically they talk me through the question of “should we ban SRM research”.
There’s a lot these two experts disagree on about SRM, and their back and forth really expanded my thinking on the topic. Together, we break down what SRM is, how it might work, and the different approaches within SRM, such as stratospheric aerosol injection and marine cloud brightening.
This episode provides a nuanced look at SRM as part of the climate action toolkit, I hope it helps you think critically about the role it might play, as it did for me.
Episode Resources
Holly’s Article on SRM research
White House statement on SRM (2023)
Wil’s work on the SRM research ecosystem
Alameda, California Suspends MCB Experiment
Guest-Suggested Articles-
Wil
Clive Hamilton- Geoengineering and the Politics of Science
Holly’s Book After Geoengineering
Holly
Taiwo and Talati- Who are the Engineers?
Wiley Carr- Vulnerable Population’s Perspectives on Climate Engineering
Timestamps
01:26 Urgency of SRM
02:25 Introducing Holly and Will
22:06 State of SRM Research
29:39 Global Players in SRM
43:12 Rules in SRM Governance
46:34 Challenges of Private Sector Involvement
55:22 Conspiracy Theories and Public Perception
01:04:00 Future Prospects
01:07:02 Lightning Round
Leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts ⭐️
For more about the show and more information about episodes, visit Climate on the Edge.
Supported by emrgnce - innovative minds exploring climate’s next frontier.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Previous Episode
What I've Learned So Far & Frontier Climate Headlines
Fresh from New York Climate Week, I’ve been reflecting on the concept of “toxic positivity” in climate spaces—a term discussed by Amy Westervelt of Drilled. It’s that disconnect between the optimism we often see at conferences and the stark realities of climate disasters unfolding worldwide.
On this show, we don’t sugarcoat or shy away from tough questions. Instead, we dive deep into solutions that could truly bend the curve on climate change. We’re not just discussing problems—we’re exploring the complex, messy work required to solve them.
In this episode I recap some of the most important lessons I've learned from experts and innovators building climate solutions.
I also take a look at some recent climate headlines that you might not have heard about-
-Vietnam launches a low emissions rice initiative
-Chongqing, China, experiments with cloud seeding to combat heatwaves
Thanks for listening to Climate on the Edge—let’s keep pushing the conversation forward.
Episode Resources
Vietnam Low-Emissions Rice Program
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction to Toxic Positivity at Climate Week
01:50 Climate on the Edge so far
10:10 Climate Headlines
19:25 Upcoming Topics and Conclusion
Leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts ⭐️
For more about the show and more information about episodes, visit Climate on the Edge.
Supported by emrgnce - innovative minds exploring climate’s next frontier.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Next Episode
Solar Radiation Management to Buy Time for Climate
As a climate investor focused on energy transition and carbon dioxide removal, I've spent years understanding and supporting technologies that drive decarbonization. But lately I've grown concerned that our progress isn't happening fast enough. The urgency of our situation. Which has become very apparent has left me curious about what else is out there.
That's why I was so excited to speak with Kelly Wanser, Executive Director of SilverLining. SilverLining is a nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing climate risks through advancing research and equitable governance around solar radiation management. Kelly is an absolute powerhouse here and a true pioneer in this field. Our conversation will get into how SRM might work, where it's at today, what's needed to advance the field and why organizations like SilverLining and its backers believe that it should advance.
We'll explore the economic and practical aspects, including concerns about SRM's affordability and the actual, very real logistical challenges of deploying any form of SRM responsibly on a global scale. Kelly is one of the world's most influential figures on SRM and climate intervention beyond emissions reduction. I hope this conversation is as thought-provoking for you as it was for me.
Leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts ⭐️
For more about the show and more information about episodes, visit Climate on the Edge.
Supported by emrgnce - innovative minds exploring climate’s next frontier.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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