When Colleen Golja, a climate researcher, participated in a war game at Queen Mary University of London, she expected science and reason to guide decisions. But the reality was far from ideal. The aim was to explore solar radiation modification, a technology designed to cool the Earth by reflecting sunlight. However, the simulation exposed the complex and often unethical geopolitical challenges involved.

The participants, including foreign-relations experts, scientists, military personnel, and former government officials, were divided into teams representing different countries and organizations. Golja served as the technical advisor, providing scientific insights to help the groups make informed decisions. Yet, the exercise highlighted the deep-seated conflicts and the lack of consensus on ethical research practices.

The solar radiation modification technologies, while potentially effective, come with significant risks. These include uneven regional impacts, such as drying in sub-Saharan Africa and more intense tropical storms in the Atlantic. The cooling effect is temporary, meaning any disruption to its maintenance could lead to unpredictable and potentially catastrophic consequences.

What the game revealed was a stark contrast between the theoretical benefits and the practical complexities. Despite the dire need for action, the simulation underscored the difficulty in reaching a unified, ethical approach to addressing global warming. It’s a reminder that the real world is far from the idealized scenarios we might imagine.