Stratospheric Aerosol Injection (SAI)

Stratospheric Aerosol Injection (SAI)
Stratospheric Aerosol Injection

Type: Solar Radiation Management
Location: Upper atmosphere
Impacts: Air, Land
Proposal: Spray sulphites or other particles into the stratosphere to block the sun
SAI proposes to spray large quantities of sulphur particles (e.g. sulphur dioxide) into the stratosphere (the upper layer of the atmosphere) to act as a reflective barrier against incoming sunlight. Proposals range from shooting particles from artillery guns, using large hoses to the sky or emptying particles from the back of aircraft. The design of self-levitating particles, as well as the use of particles of other reflective minerals (e.g. titanium or aluminum) have also been considered.