MCB: Can Brighter Clouds Cool the Planet? with Dr. Jessica Wan

Can brighter clouds cool Earth? Marine cloud brightening (MCB) is a proposed solar radiation modification strategy that could reflect sunlight, cool ocean regions, and potentially reduce dangerous heat. But can it actually work at scale, and what risks might come with it? In this episode, climate scientist Dr. Jessica Wan explains how MCB works, why researchers are studying sea salt aerosols and marine stratocumulus clouds, and what climate models reveal about unintended effects on weather, heatwaves, rainfall, and global circulation. The conversation explores geoengineering, climate intervention, El Niño, regional cooling, governance, and the major uncertainties surrounding marine cloud brightening as a response to climate change.

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Episode Guests: Dr. Jessica Wan

Visit Dr. Wan’s Website

Review Dr. Wan’s publications on Google Scholar

Connect with Dr. Wan on LinkedIn

Find Dr. Wan’s articles on MCB in a warmer world and MCB and El Niño

Learn more about Justice and Governance about SRM Technologies at DSG

Episode Transcript and more information on the Pine Forest Media website

Follow Pine Forest Media on Instagram @pineforestmedia

Hosted, produced, and edited by Clark Marchese

Cover art by Jomiro Eming

Theme music by Nela Ruiz

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Listen to Something in the Water on Spotify or Apple Podcasts

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