The climate at the Earth’s surface is affected by natural and anthropogenic changes in cloud properties, aerosol emissions, as well as the proposed intervention of Solar Radiation Modification (SRM), which aims to cool the planet by altering the radiation budget. These changes and perturbations alter the energy balance, hydrological cycle, and biogeochemical processes of terrestrial and marine ecosystems through temperature, precipitation, quantity and quality of solar radiation, and nutrient deposition. Ecosystems, in turn, feedback to climate via biogeochemical and biogeophysical processes.

However, major uncertainties remain in understanding how ecosystems respond to changes in clouds, aerosols, and solar radiation, and the resulting climate feedbacks, limiting our ability to project future climate and ecosystems and to inform effective climate policies. SRM, in particular, carries significant risks due to these uncertainties and large knowledge gaps regarding its impacts on biodiversity, agriculture, and ecosystem services.

This session aims to bring together researchers studying the interactions between ecosystems, clouds, aerosols, and solar radiation, using observational, experimental, and modeling approaches. We welcome contributions from studies on terrestrial and marine ecosystems at all scales, including both mechanism investigation and impact assessments. Studies focusing on the potential effects of SRM are especially encouraged.