Perspectives welcomes European reports on Solar Radiation Modification governance

Foto credits: Zoltan Tasi, Unsplash

Solar Radiation Modification (SRM) encompasses a range of proposed techniques aimed at reflecting sunlight to reduce global temperature increase, and thus mask climate change triggered by greenhouse gas emissions. As global temperatures and weather extremes increase, SRM has become a focal point of discussion due to its technical complexity, uncertainties, and governance implications. While SRM remains a theoretical solution at this stage, understanding its scientific, ethical, and policy dimensions is essential for ensuring that any future deployment is carefully considered and guided by robust governance frameworks.

On 9 December, three key reports on SRM were released under the Scientific Advice Mechanism—by the Science Advice for Policy by European Academies (SAPEA) and by the European Commission’s Group of Chief Scientific Advisors. 

At Perspectives, we have long been engaged in addressing the governance challenges of SRM. Axel Michaelowa was a member of the working group behind the SAPEA evidence review, and Matthias Honegger was consulted on the Chief Scientific Advisors’ report. Matthias also previously contributed to the American Geophysical Union’s (AGU) Ethical Framework Principles for Climate Intervention Research, and Axel served on its Advisory Board.  

Given our deep involvement, we welcome the recent release of these two pivotal reports, which aim to strengthen the governance of SRM from the early stages of research. While we fully agree that SRM should not be deployed at this time, we trust that the EU will take the necessary steps to ensure that responsible research is publicly funded to inform far-reaching political decisions in the future. 

In parallel, Perspectives Climate Research is currently leading the EU Horizon-funded Co-CREATE project (running from January 2024 to December 2026), tasked with exploring potential elements for the governance of SRM research—including field experiments. Working with 11 project partners and in continuing exchange with stakeholders, Perspectives will help identify decision-support tools, guidelines, and principles. We hope these outputs will aid European actors in ensuring decisions are based on sound evidence, diverse stakeholder perspectives, and broader values and concerns. 

We look forward to reflecting on the discussion triggered by the new European reports in the Co-CREATE project’s outputs, and to contributing further to this challenging governance issue.

For media inquiries on this topic, contact Axel Michaelowa and Matthias Honegger.

Link to the reports:

• Scientific Advice Mechanism, Group of Chief Scientific Advisors, Solar Radiation Modification, Scientific Opinion No. 17
• Scientific Advice Mechanism, Science Advice for Policy by European Academies, Solar Radiation Modification, Evidence Review Report
• European Group on Ethics in Science and New Technologies, Solar Radiation Modification, Ethical perspectives, Opinion No. 34