Welcome to the main page for the Geoengineering Model Intercomparison Project. Through this project, we will discover common ways in which climate models treat various geoengineering (also known as climate engineering) scenarios. We hope to gather model consensus as to the likely climate effects of geoengineering in order to better inform the scientific community, policy makers, and the public.
In all instances on this site, when we mention geoengineering, we are referring to "radiation management" methods, which involve deliberate manipulations of the radiation budget. Examples of potential technologies that fall under this umbrella are solar dimming, stratospheric sulfate aerosols, marine cloud brightening, and cirrus thinning. We are specifically not studying Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) methods, wherein carbon dioxide is removed from the atmosphere; potential methods include enhanced mineral weathering, ocean iron fertilization, or direct air capture. Model intercomparisons of CDR are being investigated by the Carbon Dioxide Removal Model Intercomparison Project (CDR-MIP).
Geoengineering cannot be taken lightly. It would involve a level of planetary manipulation heretofore unseen. The implications are awe inspiring, and the consequences have the potential to be severe. Geoengineering is fraught with unknowns that cannot be alleviated without coordinated study. GeoMIP endeavors to fill the need for such a study by prescribing certain experiments which will be performed by all participating climate models. Through this project, we will be able to ascertain commonalities and differences between model results of the climate response to geoengineering.
This project does not endorse or advocate either testing or actual implementation of geoengineering. It also does not attempt to dictate climate policy of any kind, a task which we feel is best left to governing entities. Our purpose here is to study and inform.