Geomagnetic storms
Open Philanthropy, 2015
Abstract
What is the problem? A severe solar storm might have the potential to shut down power grids on a continental scale for months. Who is already working on it? Power companies, transformer makers, insurers, and governments all have an interest in protecting the grid from geomagnetic storms. As far as we know, there is little philanthropic involvement in this issue. What could a new philanthropist do? The grid can be protected through hardening and through the installation of ground-induced current blocking devices that would prevent the currents generated by a geomagnetic storm from flowing through the grid. A philanthropist could fund further research on the threat posed by geomagnetic storms or on mitigation possibilities, fund advocacy for dealing with the threat, or directly fund mitigation.
