Solar Radiation Modification: What’s at stake for society?


This webinar, held on 3rd February, examined social science aspects of the SRM debate.

Following the Scientific Advice Mechanism’s recent reports on Solar radiation modification, we are holding a series of webinars considering the issues around SRM. In the second webinar of the series, we explored perspectives and interests of key stakeholders, as well as governance and legal aspects of research and deployment. It was attended by nearly 100 participants.

Key points

  • Professor Sovacool ran through the SAPEA Evidence Review, including an overview of the technology options, potential impacts, possible risks and challenges associated with deployment. He described perceptions of key stakeholder groups towards SRM. He looked at risk considerations and areas of future work.
  • Professor Gupti addressed the findings of the SAPEA Evidence Review concerning governance of SRM research, both public and private.
  • Dr Rabitz considered the governance of possible SRM deployment, including legal issues and possible reviews that could inform decision-making.

Following speaker presentations, Professor Lambin spoke to some of the associated policy recommendations made by the Group of Chief Scientific Advisors in its Scientific Opinion. Mr Chrenek closed the presentation section by reflecting on the EC’s policy position on SRM. 

An interactive Q&A session covered areas such as transboundary impacts, the Global South and the frequency of periodic reviews into SRM.

Speakers

  • Dušan Chrenek, Principal Adviser, Directorate-General for Climate Action, European Commission
  • Professor Benjamin Sovacool MAE, Director of Institute for Global Sustainability, Boston University; Professor of Energy Policy, University of Sussex; Co-Chair of the SAPEA Working Group
  • Professor Eric Lambin MAE, Group of Chief Scientific Advisors
  • Professor Aarti Gupta, Professor of Global Environmental Governance, Wageningen University; Member of the SAPEA Working Group
  • Dr Florian Rabitz, Chief Researcher of Civil Society and Sustainability Group, Kaunas University; Member of the SAPEA Working Group

Watch the webinar

View the slides

Upcoming webinars

Find out about other upcoming webinars in the series. All webinars in this series are free and open to all.




Posted 5th February 2025.  For further information please contact AECardiffHub@cardiff.ac.uk




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