Geophysics and Climate
We still lack robust ground truth measurements and reliable models to underpin the most pivotal climate strategies (although fully reliable models for multidecadal climate prediction may be asking for too much). Critical challenges include quantifying natural carbon removal, characterizing aerosol–cloud interactions, monitoring atmospheric processes, predicting climate tipping points, and developing direct interventions. Addressing these bottlenecks will require integrated computational and experimental platforms, advanced observation systems, and innovative intervention strategies.
R&D Gaps (6)
Current models struggle to accurately predict climate tipping points due to the intricate interplay of diverse climatic factors, hindering proactive intervention efforts. Additionally, designing optimal climate control strategies is challenging because of the nonlinear and multifaceted interactions ...
We have limited capacity to predict key disruptive events, such as solar flares that threaten power grids and communications, alongside an incomplete understanding of natural processes (atmospheric, ocean, etc.) that underpin climate models. We need better monitoring tools for characterizing phenome...
There is a critical need for more precise, rapid, and localized climate intervention strategies. Current approaches lack the fine-grained models and rapid response mechanisms required to adapt to diverse climate impacts, such as heatwaves, which demand swift and effective action. The ability to cont...
There are currently no direct interventions to address climate tipping points such as glacier melt, leaving some critical processes unmitigated. The fundamental science and engineering principles behind emergency climate interventions remain largely untested at relevant scales, limiting our prepared...
We need more effective approaches to removing greenhouse gases from the atmosphere to mitigate climate impacts. However, challenges remain in harnessing natural carbon removal systems—due to difficulties in accurately measuring their environmental impact—and in reducing methane emissions from source...