Potential implications of solar radiation modification for achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals

Abstract Solar radiation modification, particularly stratospheric aerosol injection, holds the potential to reduce impacts of climate change on sustainable development, yet could itself generate negative and is subject intense scholarly debate based relatively little evidence. Based expert elicitation involving over 30 individuals with backgrounds across domains United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we identify a broad range implications solar modification for SDGs. Depending design application scenarios, applications potentially assist in pursuit several goals by limiting temperature rise acceleration atmospheric water cycles as well extreme weather events. However, adding particulates, introducing an additional layer complexity conflict global governance, otherwise altering planetary environments, they might also detract from SDGs introduce novel risks. The overall impact development currently highly uncertain dependent mitigation pathways governance. We key areas further transdisciplinary research which some uncertainty help inform emerging governance processes.