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Two approaches for mitigating global climate change: Solar radiation management and greenhouse gas emissions reduction
October 21, 2020 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
This webinar is hosted by the American Geophysical Union.
Title:Two approaches for mitigating global climate change: Solar radiation management and greenhouse gas emissions reduction
Date: October 21, 2020
Time: 12pm – 1pm EDT
Professor Alan Robock, Department of Environmental Sciences, Rutgers University, will discuss the benefits and risks of stratospheric sulfur geoengineering (or climate intervention). In his presentation “Stratospheric Sulfur Geoengineering – Benefits and Risks”, Dr. Robock will present the current results from his ongoing Geoengineering Model Intercomparison Project which is using climate model experiments with standard stratospheric aerosol injection scenarios. He will show results indicating that if there SO2 could be continuously injected into the lower stratosphere, it would produce global cooling, stop melting of the ice caps, and increase the uptake of CO2 by plants. On the flip side, Dr. Robock posits that there are at least 27 reasons why stratospheric geoengineering may be a bad idea.
Professor Marilyn Brown, School of Public Policy, Georgia Institute of Technology, will discuss how U.S. states can most effectively reduce their carbon footprints. In her presentation “Translating a Global Emissions Reduction Framework for Sub-National Climate Action: A Case Study from the State of Georgia”, she will describe a process that considers (1) Georgia’s baseline carbon footprint and trends, (2) the universe of Georgia-specific carbon-reduction solutions that could be impactful by 2030–including both mitigation and natural carbon sinks, (3) the greenhouse gas reduction potential of high-impact 2030 solutions for Georgia, and (4) associated costs and benefits including “beyond carbon” priorities, such as job creation, public health, environmental benefits, and equity. The process that employs these data is systematic and replicable and can be used by other states to identify high-impact solutions. Professor Brown will discuss its strengths and weaknesses and planned future research.