Solar geoengineering research road map proposed to assess stratospheric deployment

The short version

• San Francisco nonprofit Reflective published a road map outlining the research, simulations, and infrastructure needed to evaluate solar geoengineering.[MIT Technology Review]
• Reflective estimates a coordinated research initiative would take roughly a decade and cost $370 million, compared to 20 years and $1.4 billion if uncoordinated.[MIT Technology Review]
• The plan faces resistance from critics and academics who oppose outdoor experiments and caution against governance and environmental risks.[MIT Technology Review]

Key facts

• Reflective, a San Francisco nonprofit, released a comprehensive road map detailing studies, infrastructure, and experiments for solar geoengineering.[MIT Technology Review]
• Reflective estimates coordinated execution would span roughly 10 years at a cost of $370 million, compared to 20 years and $1.4 billion without coordination.[MIT Technology Review]
• The opening phase of foundational work is estimated to run two to three years with costs ranging between $30 million and $75 million.[MIT Technology Review]
• A following research stage spanning four to eight years and costing $70 million to $150 million could trim uncertainty regarding cooling efficacy by roughly 25%.[MIT Technology Review]
• Since late 2023, Reflective has secured over $20 million in funding and granted roughly $4 million across dozens of research teams.[MIT Technology Review]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• This road map could help us decide whether to deploy solar geoengineeringMIT Technology Review metered