David Keith, Professor, Founding Faculty Director Climate Systems Engineering Initiative (CSEi), University of Chicago
An Introduction to Solar Geoengineering
It is possible to reduce some of the climate risks of accumulated CO2 by deliberately altering the Earth's albedo. These sunlight reflection methods (SRM) would entail novel risks and uncertainties along with challenges to global governance. Estimates of the risks and efficacy of SRM will remain uncertain but it is now possible to make some policy-relevant quantitative comparisons between risks and benefits. In this talk, Keith will discuss the interrelationship of SRM and carbon removal and argue for a research program to reduce uncertainties and provide specific examples of how research might quickly reduce uncertainties. Keith will also review a new initiative launched by the University of Chicago on climate systems engineering, which will include carbon removal along with SRM and some related technologies.
The Weston Roundtable is made possible by a generous donation from Roy F. Weston, a highly accomplished UW-Madison alumnus. Designed to promote a robust understanding of sustainability science, engineering, and policy, these interactive lectures are co-sponsored by the Center for Sustainability and the Global Environment (SAGE), the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, and the Office of Sustainability.
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