GOVERNANCE AND POLICY

Examining the Rules, Risks, and Realities of Solar Geoengineering Governance

Explore the governance challenges and policy considerations surrounding solar geoengineering. This module covers regulatory frameworks, international cooperation, public engagement, and case studies that illustrate real-world governance scenarios.

A Practical Introduction to Solar Geoengineering Governance & Policy

The Governance & Policy module introduces the key frameworks, risks, and questions shaping how solar geoengineering is—or isn’t—governed. It offers accessible overviews of existing regulatory systems, emerging governance gaps, and the unique challenges posed by a technology that could alter the climate at a global scale. This module highlights pressing concerns such as rogue deployment, moral hazard, and the “slippery slope” of research expansion, providing essential context for understanding the governance debate.

In addition to outlining core concepts, the module explores potential tools and mechanisms for solar geoengineering oversight, including international cooperation, capacity building, and public engagement. It draws comparisons from other high-risk technologies to show what lessons might, or might not, apply. Whether you're a policymaker, researcher, or civil society actor, this module equips you with the background needed to engage with solar geoengineering policy discussions in a thoughtful, informed way.

Governance and Policy Resources

Explore key policy questions and governance challenges shaping the future of solar geoengineering.

Real-Time Insights

Governance in Motion:
Stay Informed, Stay Engaged

The Governance Activity Dashboard is a centralized resource tracking international efforts related to solar geoengineering governance. Presented in reverse chronological order (starting with the most recent entry), it offers a timeline view of how solar geoengineering governance has evolved over time. Scroll to explore major milestones, or click here to view this in grid format.

Florida Bill SB 56

June 20, 2025

Organization Type:
Government
State of Florida
Authored by:
Action

The Governor of Florida signs bill SB 56 into law, banning geoengineering and weather modification activities in the state. The bill prohibits the intentional release of chemicals into the atmosphere to alter weather, temperature, climate, or sunlight intensity, and it classifies such actions as a third-degree felony with potential fines up to $100,000 and up to five years in prison, according to the Florida Senate

Consultative Workshop and Science-Policy Dialogue on Solar Radiation Modification

May 19, 2025

Organization Type:
Multilateral
UNEP and WMO
Authored by:
Action

The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and World Meterological Organization (WMO) hosted a consultative Workshop and Science-Policy Dialogue on Solar Radiation Modification, supported by the International Science Council (ISC) and World Climate Research Programme (WCRP) to foster a shared understanding of the status of SRM science and research and to facilitate Science-Policy dialogues for a collective inquiry on this topic based on the updated science information.

Degrees Global Forum

May 12, 2025

Organization Type:
Independent non-profit
The Degrees Initiative
Authored by:
Action

The Degrees Global Forum brought together researchers, NGO representatives, policymakers, thought leaders, and journalists from around the world to discuss the scientific, social, and political dimensions of SRM in what was the largest conference to date on SRM

ARIA Research Project Funding Announced

May 7, 2025

Organization Type:
Government
UK/ARIA
Authored by:
Action

UK’s ARIA announces the 21 “Climate Cooling” Research Projects to be funded, making the UK government the largest funder of solar geoengineering research worldwide (USD $60 million).

Solar Radiation Modification (SRM) Concepts, Risks and Governance of intervention in the global climate system through solar geoengineering

April 1, 2025

Organization Type:
Government
German Environment Agency (UBA)
Authored by:
Action

The German Environment Agency (UBA) released a comprehensive report outlining the risks of SRM, with a primary focus on Stratospheric Aerosol Injection (SAI). The report calls for a global non-use agreement and recommends a binding ban on all SRM activities — including outdoor research — as a precondition for any research regulation. It highlights the CBD’s de facto moratorium and warns of normalization through public funding.

A Final Chapter: Reflecting on Our Scientific Journey and Next Steps

January 15, 2025

Organization Type:
Independent non-profit
Arctic Ice Project
Authored by:
Action

Arctic Ice Project announced the conclusion of its research after laboratory ecotoxicological tests highlighted the need for further study to reach definitive conclusions. The decision was made amid broad skepticism toward geoengineering, concerns over introducing new materials into the Arctic Ocean, and the Board’s assessment that securing the necessary global resources, collaborations, and funding remained a significant challenge

Exploring Climate Cooling Call for proposals

December 13, 2024

Organization Type:
Government
UK/ARIA
Authored by:
Action

ARIA releases call for proposal applications to fund and the oversight committee for governance

Solar radiation modification technologies cannot fully address climate change, and responsible research on impacts is needed - advisors tell the European Commission

December 9, 2024

Organization Type:
Government
European Union
Authored by:
Action

European Union (EU) published three major reports – a Scientific Opinion, an Ethical Opinion, and an Evidence Review Report – to guide the European Commission (EC) in forming a position on the research and potential deployment of Solar Radiation Modification (SRM) technologies.

The U.S. is building an early warning system to detect geoengineering

December 2, 2024

Organization Type:
Government
U.S. Government
Authored by:
Action

NOAA, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and Sandia National Laboratories announce they are working together to build an early warning system to detect solar geoengineering.

Ethical Framework for Climate Intervention

October 1, 2024

Organization Type:
Independent non-profit
AGU
Authored by:
Action

The American Geophysical Union (AGU) publishes its Ethical Framework Principles for Climate Intervention Research—a code of conduct to guide the ethics of climate intervention.

A global foresight report on planetary health and human wellbeing

July 15, 2024

Organization Type:
Multilateral
UNEP
Authored by:
Action

UNEP publishes “Navigating New Horizons: A Global Foresight Report on Planetary Health and Human Wellbeing”, identifying SRM as a signal of change.

Request for an Advisory Opinion Submitted by the Commission of Small Island States on Climate Change and International Law

May 21, 2024

Organization Type:
Multilateral
ITLOS
Authored by:
Action

In a landmark opinion, the International Tribunal of the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) stated that marine geoengineering is incompatible with UNCLOS obligations where it transforms one type of pollution into another or fails to protect marine biodiversity. While the ruling primarily concerns marine-based carbon dioxide removal (mCDR), its principles may have implications for marine-based SRM approaches like MCB.

City Halts Climate Experiment University of Washington cloud brightening experiment on hold while Alameda investigates impact

May 10, 2024

Organization Type:
Government
City of Alameda
Authored by:
Action

The first Marine Cloud Brightening experiment is shut down by the city government due to concerns raised by the local community and environmental groups about potential ecological impacts and the lack of public engagement.

Advanced Research + Invention Agency Announces Funding and Theory of Change

May 1, 2024

Organization Type:
Government
UK/ARIA
Authored by:
Action

ARIA (R&D funding agency, non-departmental public body, sponsored by the UK Department for Science, Innovation + Technology) announces intention to fund climate intervention social and physical science research and shares their theory of change.

Tennessee Bills SB2691 and HB2063

April 17, 2024

Organization Type:
Government
State of Tennessee
Authored by:
Action

The Tennessee state House of Representatives and Senate passed a bill to prevent technological climate interventions, including solar radiation modification and cloud seeding: "prohibits the intentional injection, release, or dispersion, by any means, of chemicals, chemical compounds, substances, or apparatus within the borders of this state into the atmosphere with the express purpose of affecting temperature, weather, or the intensity of the sunlight."

Marine Cloud Brightening Program

April 1, 2024

Organization Type:
Academia
University of Washington
Authored by:
Action

First US-based Marine Cloud Brightening Experiment launches in Alameda, California.

SCoPEx Advisory Committee Final Report

March 1, 2024

Organization Type:
Academia
Harvard
Authored by:
Action

SCoPEx is cancelled. The Advisory Committee releases a final report summarizing its framework, work, and emphasizes the need for transparency, public engagement, and careful consideration of ethical and social implications.

A Controversial SRM Resolution Was Withdrawn at UNEA-6: Here’s our Takeaway

February 26, 2024

Organization Type:
Multilateral
UNEA/UNEP
Authored by:
Action

SRM deliberations take place at UNEA-6 on the 2nd SRM proposed by Switzerland and initially co-sponsored by Guinea, Senegal, Monaco, Georgia and Israel. The resolution is eventually withdrawn after many discussions due to lack of consensus.

Environment and Climate Change Canada Science Strategy 2024 to 2029

February 1, 2024

Organization Type:
Government
Canada
Authored by:
Action

Environment and Climate Change Canada publishes its Science Strategy for 2024-2029, which includes activities to improve the understanding of SRM in the Canadian context.

World Climate Research Programme: Research on Climate Intervention

February 1, 2024

Organization Type:
Multilateral
WCRP
Authored by:
Action

The World Climate Research Programme (WCRP) launches a Lighthouse Activity (LHA) on Climate Intervention Research to explore potential future scenarios that include CI implementations and provide an objective overview of expected Earth system risks and opportunities, remaining key uncertainties, and associated knowledge gaps based on the rapidly evolving CI context/scene.

Stardust Solutions

February 1, 2024

Organization Type:
Private
Stardust Solutions
Authored by:
Action

Stardust solutions becomes public in the news. Availability of information remains limited.

European Parliament resolution of 21 November 2023 on the UN Climate Change Conference 2023 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (COP28)

November 21, 2023

Organization Type:
Government
European Parliament
Authored by:
Action

During COP 28, European Parliament makes a call to initiate a non-use agreement at the international level, "in accordance with the precautionary principle and in the absence of evidence of its safety and a full global consensus on its acceptability"

Report of the World Commission on the Ethics of Scientific Knowledge and Technology (COMEST) on the ethics of climate engineering

November 1, 2023

Organization Type:
Multilateral
UNESCO/COMEST
Authored by:
Action

UNESCO's World Commission on the Ethics of Scientific Knowledge and Technology (COMEST) publishes a report on the ethics of climate engineering.

Reducing the Risks of Climate Overshoot

September 1, 2023

Organization Type:
Independent non-profit
Climate Overshoot Commission
Authored by:
Action

The Climate Overshoot Commission publishes its report "Reducing the risks of Climate Overshoot" with a booklet on emerging approaches in which the Commission recommends SRM to be researched and its governance discussed. It suggests countries should adopt a moratorium on the deployment of SRM and large-scale outdoor experiments that would carry risk of significant transboundary harm.

Report of the meeting of the nineteenth session of the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment

August 17, 2023

Organization Type:
Government
AMCEN
Authored by:
Action

The African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN) calls for a “global governance mechanism for non-use of solar radiation management.”

Impact of new technologies for climate protection on the enjoyment of human rights

August 10, 2023

Organization Type:
Multilateral
UNHRC
Authored by:
Action

UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) publishes its report on the impact of new technologies intended for climate protection on the enjoyment of human rights, which covered SRM.

Scientific Advice Mechanism European Commission's Group of Chief Scientific Advisors Scoping Paper: Solar Radiation Modification

August 3, 2023

Organization Type:
Multilateral
European Commission
Authored by:
Action

In its scoping paper on Solar Radiation Modification, the European Commission requests that its Group of Chief Scientific Advisors addresses the risks and opportunities associated with research on SRM and its potential deployment, and to explore options for a governance system for research and potential deployment, considering different SRM technologies and their scale.

Congressionally-Mandated Report on Solar Radiation Modification

June 30, 2023

Organization Type:
Government
USA/OSTP
Authored by:
Action

The U.S. White House Office for Science and Technology Policy publishes a research plan and governance framework related to SRM per a congressional mandate, focused on improving understanding of potential impacts, rather than deployment of SRM technologies.

A Breakthrough for People and Planet

April 1, 2023

Organization Type:
Multilateral
HLAB
Authored by:
Action

UN High-level Advisory Board on Effective Multilateralism (HLAB) publishes “A Breakthrough for People and Planet,” which included a recommendation for a forum on the governance of climate-altering technologies.

One Atmosphere: An Independent Expert Review on Solar Radiation Modification Research and Deployment

February 28, 2023

Organization Type:
Multilateral
UNEP
Authored by:
Action

An independent, multidisciplinary expert panel convened by UNEP publishes “One Atmosphere“, a report highlighting important knowledge gaps in SRM research, the importance of governance to guide research and decision-making, and the need for inclusive discussions on this subject.

An open letter regarding research on reflecting sunlight to reduce the risks of climate change

February 27, 2023

Organization Type:
Academia
Scientists
Authored by:
Action

110+ scientists published a letter supporting more research into atmospheric aerosol-based SRM.

We call for balance in research and assessment of solar radiation modification

February 1, 2023

Organization Type:
Academia
Scientists
Authored by:
Action

140+ scientists issued a letter calling for more balanced, insight-based deliberation, research and assessment of SRM.

Experimentation with solar geoengineering will not be permitted in Mexico.

January 13, 2023

Organization Type:
Government
Mexico
Authored by:
Action

National Science and Technology Council and Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources in Mexico announce national government's intention to ban SG experiments after news broke of Make Sunsets’ balloon launch in Baja California.

Make Sunsets

October 1, 2022

Organization Type:
Private
Make Sunsets
Authored by:
Action

Make Sunsets launches in secret, becomes public in December 2022.

Stratospheric Aerosol Injection and its Potential Effect on the Stratospheric Ozone Layer

September 1, 2022

Organization Type:
Government
NOAA
Authored by:
Action

NOAA publishes a Scientific Assessment of Ozone Depletion, including a chapter on "Stratospheric Aerosol Injection and its Potential Effect on the Stratospheric Ozone Layer" to assess the effects of SAI on the ozone.

AGU Climate Intervention Engagement: Leading the Development of an Ethical Framework

June 1, 2022

Organization Type:
Independent non-profit
AGU
Authored by:
Action

AGU starts project to create Ethical Framework for Climate Intervention Research, Experimentation and Deployment, draft principles include 8 recommendations.

IPCC Sixth Assessment Report

February 28, 2022

Organization Type:
Multilateral
IPCC
Authored by:
Action

IPCC Sixth Assessment report addresses SRM emphasizing the need for robust governance and risk assessment.

International Non-Use Agreement on Solar Geoengineering

January 17, 2022

Organization Type:
Academia
Universities
Authored by:
Action

An open letter is initiated by 16 scholars calling for an International Non-Use Agreement on Solar Geoengineering calling on governments and the United Nations to ban deployment of solar geoengineering, but also calling on a ban of public funding, outdoor expeirmentation, and international assessment.

Reflecting Sunlight Recommendations for Solar Geoengineering Research and Research Governance

March 1, 2021

Organization Type:
Independent non-profit
NASEM
Authored by:
Action

NASEM publishes second report on SG, "Reflecting Sunlight: Recommendations for Solar Geoengineering Research and Research Governance."

The RRAP Cooling and Shading R&D Subprogram

March 1, 2020

Organization Type:
Academia
Southern Cross University
Authored by:
Action

With the support of public funding, Southern Cross University conducts the first outdoor trial of Marine Cloud Brightening (MCB), where scientists test a prototype intended for use in larger-scale MCB experiments aimed at shading and cooling coral reefs to protect them from bleaching due to rising global temperatures.

Resolution for consideration at the 4th United Nations Environment Assembly

February 25, 2019

Organization Type:
Multilateral
UNEA/UNEP
Authored by:
Action

Switzerland proposes an SRM resolution at UNEA-4 to prepare an assessment of the status of geoengineering technologies tabled by Switzerland w/support from Burkina Faso, Micronesia, Georgia, Liechtenstein, Mali, Mexico, Montenegro, Niger, Korea, & Senegal. The resolution was eventually withdrawn by Switzerland.

Governing solar radiation management

December 1, 2018

Organization Type:
Academia
The Forum for Climate Engineering Assessment (FCEA)
Authored by:
Action

The Forum for Climate Engineering Assessment at American University publishes of "Governing Solar Radiation Management", setting out recomendations for governing SRM out to 2025, including creating politically legitimate deliberative bodies, leveraging existing institutions and making research transparent and accountable.

Decision Adopted by the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity: Climate-related geoengineering

November 1, 2018

Organization Type:
Multilateral
CBD
Authored by:
Action

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) reaffirms its moratorium on geoengineering.

Code of Conduct for Responsible Geoengineering Research

October 1, 2017

Organization Type:
Academia
University of Calgary
Authored by:
Action

Code of Conduct for Responsible Geoengineering Research is published, promoting the near-term governance of geoengineering research and to guide responsible decision-making.

Solar radiation management: the governance of research

October 1, 2016

Organization Type:
Independent non-profit
SRMGI
Authored by:
Action

The Solar Radiation Management Governance Initiative (SRMGI) releases "Solar radiation management: the governance of research" report advocating for international research governance.

Climate Intervention: Reflecting Sunlight to Cool Earth

February 1, 2015

Organization Type:
Independent non-profit
NASEM
Authored by:
Action

National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) publishes "Climate Intervention: Reflecting Sunlight to Cool the Earth" providing a comprehensive review of SRM technologies and governance needs. The report stresses the need to reinforce mitigation as a priority and recommends the creation and implementation of an albedo modification research program and the initiation of a serious deliberative process to examine SRM research governance.

Geoengineering to Combat Global Warming

May 1, 2011

Organization Type:
Multilateral
UNEP
Authored by:
Action

UNEP publishes the "Geoengineering to Combat Global Warming" report underlining that tampering with large-scale natural systems can have unintended side effects and their environmental social and legal implications need to be addressed.

The Asilomar Conference Recommendations on Principles for Research into Climate Engineering Techniques

November 1, 2010

Organization Type:
Independent non-profit
Climate Response Fund
Authored by:
Action

The Asilomar Conference on Climate Intervention Technologies focused on establishing voluntary guidelines for the responsible conduct of geoengineering research, particularly SRM, to ensure that such research is conducted safely, transparently, and with appropriate consideration of environmental and ethical concerns.

COP 10 Decision X/33.Biodiversity and climate change

October 1, 2010

Organization Type:
Multilateral
CBD
Authored by:
Action

CBD COP10 decision X/33 invites parties and other governments to ensure (...) "that no climate-related geo-engineering activities that may affect biodiversity take place, until there is an adequate scientific basis on which to justify such activities and appropriate consideration of the associated risks for the environment and biodiversity and associated social, economic and cultural impacts, with the exception of small scale scientific research studies that would be conducted in a controlled setting in accordance with Article 3 of the Convention, and only if they are justified by the need to gather specific scientific data and are subject to a thorough prior assessment of the potential impacts on the environment".

Geoengineering the Climate: Science, Governance and Uncertainty

September 1, 2009

Organization Type:
Independent non-profit
The Royal Society
Authored by:
Action

The Royal Society publishes "Geoengineering the Climate: Science, Governance and Uncertainty", which highlights CDR and SRM technologies as part of the suite of options for addressing climate chage, and calls for increasing research funding and the development of a code of conduct for said reserach.

The Oxford Principles

September 1, 2009

Organization Type:
Academia
Oxford University
Authored by:
Action

The Oxford Principles are published as the first set of ideas around good governance, emphasizing transparency, public participation, and regulation to ensure ethical and responsible development and deployment of geoengineering.

UNDERSTANDING

Explore More Learning Modules

Solar geoengineering involves techniques aimed at reflecting sunlight to combat climate change. Understanding its scientific foundations is crucial for informed public discourse.