Solar radiation modification

This scientific opinion by the Group of Chief Scientific Advisors (GCSA) examines how the European Union (EU) can address the risks and opportunities associated with research on solar radiation modification and its potential deployment. Solar radiation modification’ is an umbrella term for proposed technologies that would reflect more sunlight back into space, or allow more infrared radiation to escape into space, thereby creating a net cooling effect on the Earth’s climate.

This document also presents the possible options for a governance system for research and potential deployment, considering different solar radiation modification technologies and their scale. This opinion is published in the context of the Scientific Advice Mechanism (SAM) which provides independent scientific evidence and policy recommendations to the European institutions by request of the College of Commissioners.