Supporting a More Informed Public Conversation
DSG’s journalist capacity building initiative is designed to support more informed coverage of SRM. Through science-grounded briefings, expert engagement, and open discussion of uncertainties and governance challenges, the initiative will help journalists navigate the field, elevate diverse perspectives, and strengthen public understanding of the choices ahead.
As interest in solar geoengineering grows, so does the need for clear, accurate reporting. These technologies are complex and often misunderstood, and public debate can quickly become shaped by misinformation, hype, or incomplete context. Journalists play a critical role in helping the public, policymakers, and civil society understand not only the science of SRM, but also the governance, ethical, and political questions surrounding research and potential deployment.
Yet few reporters have access to the resources, training, or networks needed to cover these issues confidently and in context.
Program Objectives
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Equip journalists across different regions with foundational knowledge on SRM science, ethics, and governance
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Support accurate, diverse reporting across local, regional, and national outlets
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Counter misinformation and improve the quality of public discourse
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Foster connections between journalists, scientists, policymakers, and civil society
Program Overview
The initiative focuses on practical support that fits newsroom realities. Core activities will include:
- Virtual briefings introducing SRM fundamentals, governance questions, and key risk considerations, followed by open discussion
- Deep-dive sessions for reporters covering climate policy, science, and emerging technologies
- A concise reporter’s guide outlining core terminology, known uncertainties, governance gaps, common framing pitfalls, and key questions to ask researchers, policymakers, and private actors
- Connections to vetted experts across science, governance, and climate-vulnerable communities to support timely reporting
The program does not promote a position for or against SRM. Its goal is to equip journalists to interrogate claims, contextualize uncertainty, and examine the power, oversight, and accountability dynamics shaping the field.
As interest in SRM grows, the quality of media coverage will influence how policymakers and the public understand the issue. Strengthening journalist capacity now can help ensure that debate reflects the complexity of the topic rather than polarization.