Studies on the public perception of SRM have used multiple methods: questionnaire surveys, workshops, and focus group interviews . Most studies have been limited to Western societies, with some exceptions. Studies have repeatedly found that respondents are largely unaware of SRM . In the context of this general lack of familiarity, the public prefers CDR to SRM , is very cautious about SRM deployment because of potential environmental side effects and governance concerns, and mostly rejects deployment for the foreseeable future. Studies also suggest conditional and reluctant support for research, including proposed field experiments, with conditions of proper governance . Recent studies show that the perception varies with the intensity of deliberation , and that the public distinguishes different funding sources . Limited studies for developing countries show a tendency for respondents to be more open to SRM , perhaps because they experience climate change more directly . In some Anglophone countries, a small portion of the public believes in chemtrail conspiracy theories, which are easily found in social media . Since researchers rarely distinguish different SRM options in engagement studies, there remains uncertainty in public perception.
IPCC
Climate Change 2022: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability
IPCC Report