Co-CREATE Seminar: The Precautionary Principle: Implications for Solar Radiation Modification Research

Tuesday, 15^th April | 15:00-16:00 CET | Online

To date, there are no international or EU laws specific to the governance of Solar Radiation Management (SRM) research. However, many existing legal frameworks and principles may apply to SRM research activities. Analysing these in the context of SRM is necessary to understand whether—and under which circumstances—different types of SRM research activities may be permissible or desirable.

While it is not possible to make blanket statements on the legality and desirability of SRM research, an analysis of principles can help conceptualise the implications for SRM research and inform its governance. One often-invoked principle is the precautionary principle, which requires States to take measures in case of risks of significant or irreversible harm to the environment or people, despite scientific uncertainty.

The precautionary principle has been interpreted in various ways, and has been invoked by both opponents and proponents of SRM research. Opponents see SRM research as risky and irresponsible, and argue that it should be restricted on the basis of the precautionary principle. Certain proponents of SRM research, on the other hand, argue that researching SRM is a matter of precaution; to better understand its risks versus the risks of catastrophic climate change, as well as to mitigate the risks of uninformed, or unilateral SRM deployment. Without prescribing one particular policy response, the precautionary principle calls for a thorough assessment of the various risks involved; arguably this includes assessing the risks doing research against those of not doing research. This is therefore a difficult yet critical question, which warrants an open and constructive dialogue.

Contributing to this question, the EU-funded Co-CREATE Project is hosting a public seminar on SRM research and the precautionary principle. It will draw on its work on this matter and invite two environmental law and policy experts in the field to share their reflections. An open discussion will follow, during which attendees will be welcome to exchange insights and help advance the debate on this matter.

AGENDA