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COP30: Can Marine Cloud Brightening help the Great Barrier Reef?
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The Great Barrier Reef is one of the clearest examples of the impact of extreme heat on an ecosystem. In collaboration with First Nations people, Daniel Harrison’s team has been developing and testing Marine Cloud Brightening (MCB) as a way of protecting the coral from bleaching. Their world-first small-scale experiments are providing the first direct evidence that clouds can be deliberately brightened.
Their experience inspires further development of the Marine Cloud Brightening concept, but with that comes more questions. Current technology supports research but is not yet sufficiently developed to enable deployments, so what advances are needed? Panelists will outline research from around the world investigating engineering questions of scale and efficiency, as well as ethical and governance issues.
This session seeks to inform on the current state of knowledge and share the lessons learned from outdoor research on a targeted intervention. The panel will then discuss the potential application of MCB to other regions, and the relevant guardrails, engagement, and knowledge needed for responsible research.
This panel brings experience of researching innovative ocean solutions in real-world experiments, in collaboration with those communities directly affected. Far from being an isolated example, this experience can inform the wider field of climate action research. As more interventions and adaptation strategies are considered globally, we hope to share lessons learned and invite discussion on practical steps forward for targeted interventions more generally.
