Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Solar radiation modification (SRM) has been proposed as a potential tool to limit increases in global or regional temperatures caused by anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. While previous research has extensively examined the climate system’s response to various SRM strategies, as well as their aggregate economic consequences, the spatial distribution of economic impacts has received less attention. In this study, we use NorESM2-Disaggregated Integrated Assessment Model—an Earth System Model coupled to a high-resolution integrated assessment model—to assess the economic impacts, measured in gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, in an idealised SRM scenario where incoming solar radiation is reduced by 1%. Our results suggest that, relative to a baseline without SRM, most countries experience economic gains under SRM, with only a few countries facing negative impacts. Low-income countries tend to see the largest benefits, reducing disparities in GDP per capita across countries relative to the baseline. However, reduced damages and smaller disparities in GDP per capita are accompanied by a ‘moral hazard’ effect, in that SRM leads to higher emissions, which may in turn cause additional adverse effects not captured here. These findings highlight potential trade-offs between economic benefits, the distribution of economic impacts, and increased emissions relevant for SRM governance.
Source: Environmental Research Letters
Language: English
Subfield: Global and Planetary Change
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,045
Awards: G2230720350, G4444214957, G652466119
OpenAlex ID: W7220991570