New simulations from Michigan State University reveal that solar geoengineering, a plan to cool the planet by reflecting sunlight back into space, would not protect all oceans equally. Under the most aggressive scenario, only about 20% to 25% of the ocean would see relief from worsening heat waves. The North Atlantic, northern and tropical Pacific, and parts of the Southern Ocean would continue heating, threatening major fisheries. The study highlights that even if stratospheric particles reduce surface temperatures, they do nothing about ocean acidification caused by rising CO2. Ending geoengineering abruptly could trigger a rapid temperature spike. Researchers stress that the strategy is not a substitute for deep emissions cuts and that exit plans must be in place before any deployment.
