Even though Iโm a strong proponent of
#SRMnow, there are problems with this thread by
@tomaspueyo. Itโs still worth reading, but SRM on its own is not a complete solution to
#ClimateDisruption.
First, SSAI is probably not the best form of SAI (even though itโs the most studied), & SAI is not the best form of SRM.
SSAI costs will still likely be higher than those suggested here, ~$17-27B/yr according to two analysesโstill a huge bargain compared to avoided damage.
The least expensive forms of SRM are Marine Cloud Brightening (though questions remain on useful extent), & space-based SRM (
#sbSRM, surprisingly). Both offer greater control over time & location of their effects. (With SSAI, if thereโs a large volcanic eruption, you own the famine.). Spatial control might be really important to not adversely affect the
#PolarVortex or the
#AMOC/ocean heat transport.
In
@tomaspueyoโs thread, itโs suggested that SRM is an alternative to carbon dioxide removalโit isnโt. We absolutely need both, at scale, but SRM takes the heat off immediately & slows our otherwise relentless march towards tipping points (which could make things even worse faster)โwe donโt even know with certainty how close they are! This is why
#SRMnow is actually the cautious strategy! Even though itโs incomplete.
We ultimately need to
#CleanUpTheMess humans have made in the atmosphere through
#CDR: ocean ecology is seriously threatened by
#OceanAcidification, & preindustrial ocean pH will not be restored while thereโs excess CO2 in the atmosphere. (Though SRM does reduce sea surface temperatures which are another threat to ocean ecology, so again, the combination is essential.)
#CDR wonโt ultimately be as costly as most believe.
Additionally, elevated CO2 levels have already been reducing the nutrient density of crops, so SSAI & Forget is hardly a desirable solution.
We can absolutely restore preindustrial climate, and accomplish that while supporting a larger human population at a higher standard of living by applying
#ExponentialTechnologies to
#ClimateRestoration & to creating a sustainable civilizational infrastructure. With those, a larger human population than exists at present can live comfortably on a 95% rewilded planetโ๐/acc.
By emphasizing Space-Based SRM, costs will actually be lower, the effect more optimal, and the scale will be ๐ fuel to
#SpaceIndustry. This is also how we leapfrog to building a
#K2civ Kardashev-2 civilization.
๐/acc ๐ค K2/acc
We can have a beautiful future.
drive.google.com/file/d/1jNgโฆ
[SRM discussion starts in earnest on slide 18]