The Caribbean and 1.5 °C: Is SRM an Option?

The Caribbean, along with other small island developing states (SIDS), have advocated for restricting global warming to 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels by the end of current century. Solar radiation management (SRM) may be one way achieve this goal. This paper examines mean Caribbean climate under various scenarios an SRM-altered versus SRM-unaltered world three targets, namely, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 levels. Data from Geoengineering Model Intercomparison Project Phase 1 (GeoMIP1) were examined two SRM scenarios: G3 experiment where there is a gradual injection sulfur dioxide (SO2) into tropical lower stratosphere starting in 2020 terminating after 50 years, G4 fixed 5 Teragram (Tg) SO2 per year injected atmosphere ending years. results show that has potential delay attainment targets. extent varies depending on methodology but beyond mid-century In comparison, however, higher temperature thresholds are both still attained before century once ceased, raising questions about value initial delay. application also significantly alters during target years (determined representative concentration pathway 4.5 (RCP4.5) without SRM). generally cooler drier similarly cool less dry corresponding Finally, at differs if achieved RCP4.5. same true implications all discussed as background determining whether represents viable consideration SIDS their “1.5 stay alive”