We are searching for topics and funders for the next Longitude Prize. This idea is a draft for discussion about one possible prize focus that we are exploring.
What is the problem? We are likely to miss the global 1.5-degree target, and direct air carbon capture is too slow to prevent the immediate impacts of heat events. Solar Radiation Modification (SRM) offers a solution but remains controversial due to its lack of precision and controllability. Why does the solution contribute to solving this? This provides an immediate intervention, by increasing the amount of sunlight reflected off a glacier, to prevent catastrophic heatwaves or ice-sheet melting while the world decarbonises. If we don't develop localised cooling, key tipping points will be crossed, and warming will accelerate, leading to irreversible sea-level rise. Who is the prize awarded to? Awarded to the team that demonstrates a scalable, localised, and reversible cooling technology that increases the albedo of a thinning glacier during the peak summer melt. Check out the other ideas
The best prize ideas are developed through extensive research and engagement with experts, stakeholders and people with lived experience of the problems they are focused on. We start with a first draft like the one above – then work to improve, refine and validate our thinking. If you are interested in sharing your expertise, or helping us secure funding for the next Longitude Prize, please reach out.