The conference From less to very controversial geoengineering technologies: an informative session will take place on April 10, starting at 5pm, at the Sedas Nunes Auditorium of ICS-ULisboa and online.

Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges of our time, with significant implications for ecosystems, human health, and economies worldwide. As global temperatures continue to rise, there is an urgent need for innovative solutions to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Technological solutions include large-scale carbon dioxide removal and solar radiation modification (collectively sometimes referred to as geoengineering).

Our conference aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the Solar Radiation Modification (SRM) technologies, exploring their diverse forms, potentials, challenges, and the need for regulation.

Solar Radiation Management (SRM) involves the deliberate alteration of the Earth's radiative balance to counteract global warming. The integration of SRM into climate policy raises important questions about governance, ethics, and the role of emerging technologies in addressing climate change. By bringing together experts from various fields, this conference will facilitate a multidisciplinary discussion on the future of SRM  and its implications for global climate governance.

Scientific authors emphasize the need for informed societal decisions and robust governance frameworks to manage the risks and ethical considerations of geoengineering, highlighting the importance of continued research to understand the impacts and feasibility of geoengineering as a supplementary tool to mitigate climate change. (MacMartin et al., 2023). Reports provide comprehensive recommendations for SRM research and governance and emphasize the need for a coordinated research agenda to address the uncertainties and potential risks associated with geoengineering. They also call for the establishment of governance frameworks to ensure responsible research and deployment, considering ethical, legal, and social implications. The recommendations aim to guide policymakers and researchers in developing a balanced approach to SRM, which carefully considers multiple factors, perspectives, or goals when dealing with SRM, including “potential benefits” versus risks, uncertainties, ethical implications, and societal concerns. A balanced approach would aim to ensure that SRM research and policies are comprehensive, cautious, and equitable, without favoring one aspect (e.g., technological advancement) at the expense of others (e.g., environmental or social impacts). (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2021).

Authors also highlight the importance of involving developing countries in SRM research and decision-making processes, given their vulnerability to climate impacts, and advocating for inclusive and transparent discussions to ensure equitable outcomes for all nations. (Rahman et al, 2023).

This conference will provide a comprehensive understanding of geoengineering technologies including SRM. By fostering a multidisciplinary dialogue, we hope to advance the discourse on the responsible governance and regulation of these technologies. We look forward to the active participation of attendees and a fruitful exchange of ideas that will contribute to the advancement of climate science and policy.

See the information leaflet.