Climate Cooling Solutions and the Science of Solar Radiation Management

The video discusses the increasing global temperatures and introduces Solar Radiation Management (SRM) as a potential climate cooling solution. SRM aims to reflect sunlight back into space using various techniques, such as injecting sulphur dioxide into the stratosphere. Historical events like the Mount Pinatubo eruption provide context for SRM's potential effects. Despite interest from organizations like the European Commission and the UN, SRM faces criticism due to unknown side effects, potential weather disruptions, and economic costs. The lack of international cooperation and the risk of SRM being used as an excuse to delay emission reductions are also highlighted.

What year was declared the hottest on record, surpassing 2016?

• 2025

• 2023

• 2020

• 2019

What is the primary goal of Solar Radiation Management (SRM)?

• To reduce ocean acidification

• To increase the Earth's temperature

• To reflect some of the sun's rays back into space

• To absorb more sunlight

Which of the following is a proposed SRM technique?

• Planting more trees

• Reducing fossil fuel usage

• Injecting sulphur dioxide into the stratosphere

• Increasing carbon capture

What natural event is SRM trying to replicate in terms of cooling effect?

• Hurricane

• Earthquake

• Volcanic eruption

• Tsunami

How much did global temperatures drop after the Mount Pinatubo eruption?

• Half a degree Celsius

• Quarter of a degree Celsius

• One degree Celsius

• Two degrees Celsius

Which organizations released reports in 2023 calling for more SRM research?

• NASA and the European Space Agency

• The European Commission and the White House

• The World Health Organization and the UN

• Greenpeace and the Sierra Club

What is a potential side effect of SRM mentioned by critics?

• Increased biodiversity

• Milky white sky

• Improved air quality

• Decreased rainfall

What is a major concern regarding the implementation of SRM?

• It is too cheap to implement

• It could lead to global cooling

• It might encourage nations to delay reducing emissions

• It will solve all climate-related issues

What is the estimated cost of aerosol injection for SRM per degree Celsius of cooling?

• Hundreds of millions of dollars

• Tens of billions of dollars

• Trillions of dollars

• Thousands of dollars

What is lacking in the current global approach to SRM?

• Technological advancements

• Public awareness

• International cooperation framework

• Funding from private sectors