Geophysics and Climate

Current models struggle to accurately predict climate tipping points due to the intricate interplay of diverse climatic factors, hindering proactive intervention efforts. Additionally, designing optimal climate control strategies is challenging because of the nonlinear and multifaceted interactions among economic, technological, and social factors.

We have limited capacity to predict key disruptive events, such as solar flares that threaten power grids and communications, alongside an incomplete understanding of natural processes (atmospheric, ocean, etc.) that underpin climate models. We need better monitoring tools for characterizing phenomena that impact climate dynamics, such as aerosol-cloud interactions, and assessing potential interventions such as marine cloud brightening. These issues underscore the need for enhanced observational tools and more sophisticated models of climate processes.

There is a critical need for more precise, rapid, and localized climate intervention strategies. Current approaches lack the fine-grained models and rapid response mechanisms required to adapt to diverse climate impacts, such as heatwaves, which demand swift and effective action. The ability to control local weather phenomena—including cloud formation and hurricanes—could help mitigate climate risks.

There are currently no direct interventions to address climate tipping points such as glacier melt, leaving some critical processes unmitigated. The fundamental science and engineering principles behind emergency climate interventions remain largely untested at relevant scales, limiting our preparedness for rapid climate change. See: https://www.outlierprojects.org/

We need more effective approaches to removing greenhouse gases from the atmosphere to mitigate climate impacts. However, challenges remain in harnessing natural carbon removal systems—due to difficulties in accurately measuring their environmental impact—and in reducing methane emissions from sources like the cow rumen. Innovative strategies, including modifying cow microbiomes and deploying scalable measurement and validation platforms, are essential to advance greenhouse gas removal efforts. See also:  https://www.bezosearthfund.org/news-and-insights/bezos-earth-fund-releases-global-roadmap-to-scale-greenhouse-gas-removal-technologies and https://gaps.frontierclimate.com/

We need to improve our management of natural systems. The world's oceans suffer from extensive pollution, undermining marine ecosystems and disrupting global climate processes. Inefficient wildfire management is a prime example of problematic management of natural fire cycles.