Solar radiation modification

An in-depth study of the available technologies led both Chief Scientific Advisors (GCSA) - informed by the evidence review report by SAPEA (Science Advice for Policy by European Academies) - and the European Group on Ethics to conclude that none of technologies in question are ready to be deployed. They could have negative impacts on ecosystems, change rainfall patterns, and hamper food production. Moreover, they would not address the direct impacts of greenhouse gases, such as ocean acidification or changes in vegetation patterns. Both groups underline that presenting these technologies as available solutions could damage efforts that are already underway to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change. Furthermore, any large-scale intervention in our common planetary environment would have systemic consequences.

Based on the evidence, the Group of Chief Scientific Advisors and the European Group on Ethics jointly made the following recommendations to the European Commission:

• Continue to focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change as the highest priorities.
• Announce a Europe-wide moratorium on using solar radiation modification technologies.
• Negotiate a global governance system for future decisions about deploying solar radiation modification technologies, ensuring it is aligned with fundamental rights and values. Given the current state of knowledge, the EU’s position in global negotiations should be to not deploy the technologies.
• Hold broad and inclusive public deliberations about fighting climate change, allowing citizens to learn about and debate a range of approaches.
• Ensure that research into solar radiation technologies is rigorous, ethical and explicit about uncertainties – and includes critical reflection on the full range of direct and indirect effects, governance and justice issues.
• Reassess the evidence on risks and potential opportunities every five to ten years.