Solar Radiation Modification: governance of research

 

ExpectedOutcome:

The purpose of the action is to explore conditions that could lead to the development of a possible governance framework for experimental research in the area of solar radiation modification (SRM), which is to be done on a case-by-case basis. SRM is defined as an approach to reduce solar radiative forcing through means other than through the reduction of net greenhouse gas emissions. The action should identify, on the basis of a comprehensive and balanced assessment of the best available scientific knowledge, as well as the perspectives of stakeholders, whether and how the governance of SRM field research could work in practice.

The IPCC 6^th Assessment Report (Cross-Working Group Box SRM: Solar Radiation Modification^[1]) concluded that SRM could offset some of the effects of anthropogenic warming on global and regional climate, especially if combined with emissions reductions, and with carbon dioxide removal, and phased out gradually. However, a number of risks are associated with its deployment, and the IPCC found that there is low confidence in our understanding of the climate response, especially at regional scales. At international level, its deployment is addressed (and strongly discouraged) by the Convention of Biodiversity due to its potentially substantial negative effects on biodiversity. Nevertheless, the topic continues to draw interest, including from non-state actors, as the effects of climate change itself become more evident.

This action should lead to a better understanding of what the risks and conditions are that would make field research acceptable or unacceptable to stakeholders. Such enhanced understanding is sought without prejudice to its potential use in policy-making or regulation.

Scope:

In order to achieve the expected outcome, proposals should address all of the following:

• Synthesis of the state of the art regarding the potential contribution of SRM to climate stabilisation, and its associated risks.
• Clarification of what activities constitute SRM, and the extent to which SRM is permitted, prohibited and/or governed within the ERA at present.
• Proposal of principles and guidelines that could be used by a public authority for permitting, prohibiting or supervising SRM field experiments on a case-by-case basis. Factors to consider could include inter alia:
  • Scientific and operational preconditions (e.g. monitoring mechanisms during and after research, time horizon, contingency planning).
  • Legal issues (e.g. liability for impacts).
  • Decision-making processes and ethical considerations (e.g. Who gets to decide? Procedural aspects such as how to ensure broad, informed stakeholder consultation).
  • Approaches to cost-benefit analysis and risk assessment in a context of uncertainty (risk of action, and risk of inaction).
• An inclusive expert and stakeholder dialogue process, aligned with the principles of Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) should be organised in order to inform the analysis mentioned above.

The action is also encouraged to consider the following questions:

• Whether SRM field research under controlled conditions (e.g. within the ERA or like-minded jurisdictions) could lessen the risk of its unregulated deployment elsewhere in the world.
• Comparison of the risks of SRM with analogous risk management dilemmas faced by science and society.

The action should also identify what the characteristics of such a governance framework should be, taking into account issues such as scientific rigour, risk assessment and public legitimacy.

Promotion of SRM or conducting of SRM field experiments are outside of the scope of this action.

Actions are encouraged, where relevant, to explore synergies with other initiatives in Europe and beyond investigating Solar Radiation Modification from a technological, regulatory and/or ethical perspective.

This topic requires the effective contribution of SSH disciplines and the involvement of SSH experts, institutions as well as the inclusion of relevant SSH expertise, in order to produce meaningful and significant effects enhancing the societal impact of the related research activities.

[1]Page 2473 of Climate Change 2022: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability. Working Group II Contribution to the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report. Available: https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg2/downloads/report/IPCC_AR6_WGII_FullReport.pdf,