Definition

A broad set of methods and technologies that aim to deliberately alter the climate system in order to alleviate the impacts of climate change. Most, but not all, methods seek to either:

1. reduce the amount of absorbed solar energy in the climate system (Solar Radiation Management); or
2. increase net carbon sinks from the atmosphere at a scale sufficiently large to alter climate (Carbon Dioxide Removal).

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (2012) ¹