First-Order Priorities
Research and development
Version published:
April 24, 2025 - 9:16am
- Developing candidate non-toxic surfactants with no impacts on humans or other organisms.
- Determine how long low micron- and nano– bubbles can persist with natural surfactants.
- Site suitability analysis to determine which regions have the highest potential for albedo, potentially in areas with peak sun conditions (Seitz 2011).
- Developing approaches to integrate microbubble technology for albedo modification into existing ship infrastructure leveraging decarbonization techniques that reduce drag of ships.
- A comprehensive assessment of the potential co-benefits and risks of this approach is needed.
Enabling conditions
Version published:
April 24, 2025 - 9:16am
- Research framework proposed by Diamond et al. (2022) for MCB could be adapted and developed for ocean surface albedo modification approaches. This framework includes checkpoints (research questions that need to be addressed for the pathway to be viable) and exit ramps (criteria for terminating research if the pathway is deemed not technically or socially feasible). Once developed, this type of research framework could be enacted now, even in the absence of other governance structures and international guidance. Diamond et al. (2022) focuses on physical and technical checkpoints and exit ramps. However, social checkpoints and exit ramps also need development.
- Further development of what priorities look like in different places for different actors will be needed.
Engagement
Version published:
April 24, 2025 - 9:16am
- Public engagement, education, and town halls about all aspects of the approach need to be developed and implemented in parallel with research in order to determine whether this approach can be implemented.
- Follow core engagement principles identified by the Stratospheric Controlled Perturbation Experiment (SCoPEx) advisory committee (Jinnah et al. 2024):
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- Start engagement efforts as early as possible.
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- Include social scientists with engagement expertise on research teams during the research design process.
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- Don’t presuppose what communities will be concerned about.
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- Develop a plan to be responsive to community concern.
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