Perspectives-led project Co-CREATE launches its website

The EU-funded consortium project “Co-CREATE”, led by Perspectives Climate Research, officially launched its own website today.

Involving 12 European research and think tank institutions, the project’s goal over the next three years is to investigate the research governance of controversial Solar Radiation Modification (SRM) technologies. Such climate interventions would aim to limit global heating by reducing the amount of solar radiation reaching the Earth’s surface – either by reflecting sunlight or increasing the amount of heat escaping into space. Through the joint development of principles, guidelines, and decision-support tools, Co-CREATE seeks to empower funding agencies. Their decision-making regarding SRM research will be central in the research governance framework.

Co-CREATE endeavours to equip funding agencies with helpful analysis and decision-support tools and collaboratively developed principles and guidelines. The project is funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation program, along with support from UK Research and Innovation under the UK government’s Horizon European funding guarantee, totalling around €3 million. It engages with diverse stakeholders including scientific, policy, and societal stakeholders, and communities in the Arctic and the Global South for a collaborative and responsible approach to the contentious issue of SRM research including potential field experiments.

As Matthias Honegger, Senior Research Associate at Perspectives Climate Research, states: “No matter your preference on the long-term role – if any – of SRM in managing threats of climate change to human lives and nature, ignoring the topic will not resolve anything. Cautious and deliberate guidance and collaboration on SRM research and its governance are key.”

Read Matthias’ reflections commentary and explore Co-CREATE’s website to learn more.