A proposal for the safety and controllability requirements that SRM systems should meet

TL;DR

This paper proposes initial safety and controllability requirements for Solar Radiation Modification systems, focusing on Stratospheric Aerosol Injection, to guide research, development, and policy decisions.

Contribution

It introduces a foundational set of safety and controllability criteria for SRM systems, aiding R&D and policy formulation.

Findings

Proposes initial safety and controllability requirements for SRM systems.

Focuses on Stratospheric Aerosol Injection as a primary example.

Provides a basis for further discussion and development in SRM safety standards.

Abstract

Solar Radiation Modification (SRM) may be the only way to limit global warming in the coming decades, leading to increased interest in the subject and to the expansion of related research & development (R&D) activity. Defining the safety and controllability requirements that any SRM system should meet is crucial for directing R&D activities and enabling governments to make informed decisions on the development and possible implementation of such systems. We present an initial proposal for this set of requirements, which also guides Stardust's R&D, as a basis for further discussion and consideration. While we focus on SRM systems based on Stratospheric Aerosol Injection (SAI), the proposed principles may be applicable more broadly.