Nearly 100 experts on all sides of the solar geoengineering debate gathered to explore responsible research into the emerging climate technology
NEW YORK, NY – Once a fringe topic in the climate community, a solar reflection methods (SRM) educational event hosted by the Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN) convened nearly 100 scientists, policymakers, civil society organizations, and other climate leaders at Climate Week NYC on Wednesday, September 23.
Traditionally discussed primarily in technical and academic settings, SRM is increasingly prompting broader public-policy debate. This week, CCAN’s SRM Research Hub Crawl: Building a Community for Responsible Research and Governance demonstrated a growing demand for a seat at the table as the research moves forward. While SRM is not a substitute for rapidly cutting greenhouse gas emissions, participants explored how research, public engagement, oversight, and governance should shape any consideration of the field.
“Climate change is already forcing societies to confront difficult choices, and at the same time SRM research is growing,” said Quentin Scott, Senior Federal Policy Director at CCAN. “That does not mean deployment is inevitable or desirable. It means the public deserves a transparent, inclusive conversation about what research is taking place, what uncertainties remain, and what governance safeguards would be required. Decisions about whether, how, and under what conditions research proceeds must be informed by rigorous science, strong safeguards, public accountability, and the people most affected by climate change.”
At the “Hub Crawl,” participants moved between interactive “hubs” hosted by participating organizations. The hubs examined the science of SRM, emerging governance frameworks, policy debates, and approaches to meaningful public engagement. CCAN’s convening created space for participants with different perspectives to engage directly with the research and governance challenges surrounding the topic.
The Federation of American Scientists (FAS), one of the nation’s leading science-policy organizations, joined CCAN as a co-host. “The science is clear: from glacier collapse and flash flooding in the Himalayas to unbearable heat around the world, climate change is making our world more extreme and more dangerous,” said Dr. Hannah Safford, Associate Director of Climate and Environment at FAS. “We owe it to ourselves, our neighbors, and our kids to rigorously, responsibly explore tools like SRM that could help reduce climate risks, even as we continue to ramp up mitigation and adaptation. CCAN has been a leader in this work, and we look forward to continued collaboration.”
“I’ve been following the field of solar radiation modification closely since 2010, from conferences to field experiments,” said Ben Kalina, Director and Producer of Plan C For Civilization Documentary. “It’s always been dangerously shrouded in mystery, dominated by a small number of researchers and personalities. But then came the SRM Hub Crawl. Not only was it designed with the public as the audience rather than the usual suspects of insiders, but it was FUN. Standing on the roof, talking about the earth’s reflectivity, it was like a Sci-Fi mini-convention sharing what we’ve learned – and what we don’t know – with a curious and questioning climate week community.”
Through this event and other convenings on SRM, CCAN continues to move the needle on climate intervention technology discussions. Participating organizations included: Federation of American Scientists, University of Chicago, Reflective, Degrees Initiative, Alliance for Just Deliberation on Solar Geoengineering, Environmental Defense Fund, Plan C For Civilization Documentary, and SRM360.
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Chesapeake Climate Action Network is the first grassroots organization dedicated exclusively to raising awareness about the impacts and solutions associated with global warming in the Chesapeake Bay region. Founded in 2002, CCAN has been at the center of the fight for clean energy and wise climate policy in Maryland, Virginia, Washington, DC and beyond.
