News and Activities

To support the goals of the working group and forge collaboration, the members with the support of DAAD organize virtual meetings, trainings and capacity- building measures.

  • Solar Climate Engineering Research in Africa 

    18.11.2021 14.00 pm - 16.00 pm (GMT)

    This research symposium aims to introduce African climate researchers to Solar Radiation Management (SRM) and related research ongoing over the continent. SRM is a theoretical proposal for reducing some of the risks of climate change by reflecting away some sunlight, for instance by spraying reflective particles in the upper atmosphere. The 2-hour seminar will start with an overview of solar climate geoengineering with its possible socio-political implications. Then will follow presentations of ongoing SRM research in Africa presented by researchers from across the continent. Interaction between participants and presenters will allow for further discussions.

    The panel is composed of international researchers and practitioners in the field of Solar Radiation Management, who will present and discuss with you the subject from different perspectives. 

    Special Guest: Prof. Mark New, Director African Climate and Development Initiative, University of Cape Town, South Africa. 

    Moderation: Dr. Christopher Lennard, Researcher, Climate System Analysis Group, University of Cape Town, South Africa.

    Agenda

    Andy Parker | 12.05 – 12.15 pm (GMT)
    An overview of sunlight reflection geoengineering

    Dr. Izidine Pinto | 12.15 – 12.25 pm (GMT)
    Impact of stratospheric aerosol injection on the climate over Southern Africa

    Dr. Casimir Da-Allada | 12.25 - 12.35 pm (GMT)
    Changes in West African Summer Monsoon Precipitation Under Stratospheric Aerosol Geoengineering

    Prof. Babatunde J. Abiodun | 12.35 - 12.45 pm (GMT)
    Potential Impacts of Stratospheric Aerosol Geoengineering (SAG) on Droughts over Major River Basins in Africa

    Dr. Vami H. N’Guessan Bi | 13.05 - 13.15 pm (GMT)
    Impact of Stratospheric Aerosol Injection on temperature & precipitation extremes over west Africa

    Dr. Temitope Egbebiyi | 13.15 - 13.25 pm (GMT)
    Potential impact of Stratospheric Aerosol Injection on Crop Suitability and planting season over West and southern Africa

    Dr. Franklin J. Opijah |  13.25 - 13.35 pm (GMT)
    Simulated impacts of modified albedo on extreme rainfall and the implications on urban floods in East Africa

    Dr. Romaric Odoulami |  13.35 - 13.45 pm (GMT)
    The Cape Town "Day Zero" drought under Stratospheric Aerosol Injection

    Solar Radiation Management

    If SRM were ever implemented, it would involve deliberately reflecting away a small fraction of sunlight to reduce global temperatures. Scientists are clear that it is not an alternative to emissions cuts, but SRM is the only known way to quickly slow down the rise in global temperatures. As such, it might prove the only way to meet the agreed global warming limits of 1.5°C and 2°C; and so, it has the potential to significantly reduce global warming impacts while the world de-carbonises. It could, however, have dangerous side effects, cause political tensions, and distract leaders from making necessary emissions cuts, and so SRM also has the potential to be very damaging. The stakes are high, and it is important to have an informed global conversation.

    Host

    Register here by November 17th 2021.

DAAD - Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst - German Academic Exchange Service