How 'rogue' geoengineering could worsen climate impacts

Geoengineering in the wrong hands could exacerbate climate havoc, scientists warn. Emily Beament of the Press Association reports

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Porthcawl lighthouse is battered by waves during Storm Eowyn

GEOENGINEERING to reduce temperatures in one part of the world could worsen droughts and hurricanes elsewhere, scientists have warned.

A report on the current science around techniques to reflect some sunlight back into space known as solar radiation modification (SRM) has found that internationally coordinated deployment could reduce global temperatures and some of the impacts of climate change.

But the briefing from the Royal Society warned the hypothetical techniques, which are likely decades from deployment, are no substitute for action to cut the greenhouse gas emissions pushing up global temperatures.

And "unilateral" action by individual nations could cause serious impacts for others, the study's authors said.

Interest in geoengineering techniques to curb climate change has grown as efforts to cut greenhouse emissions to limit global warming to 1.5°C or "well below" 2°C above pre-industrial levels have faltered.

The latest UN assessment ahead of climate talks in Brazil put the world on track for up to 2.8°C of warming on current measures.

But there are serious concerns about the technological feasibility and ethical questions around deploying geoengineering methods to curb climate change.