THE NATIONAL ACADEMIES OF SCIENCES, ENGINEERING, AND MEDICINE
Division on Earth and Life Studies and Policy and Global Affairs Division
Board on Atmospheric Sciences and Climate and Committee on Science, Technology, and Law
Committee on Developing a Research Agenda and Research Governance Approaches for Climate Intervention Strategies that Reflect Sunlight to Cool Earth
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Congressional Briefings
Wednesday, March 24, 2021 – 11:00 a.m.
and
Friday, June 11, 2021 – 11:00 a.m.
via Zoom
on
Reflecting Sunlight:
Recommendations for Solar Geoengineering Research and Research Governance
Solar geoengineering strategies are designed to cool Earth either by adding small reflective particles to the upper atmosphere, by increasing reflective cloud cover in the lower atmosphere, or by thinning high-altitude clouds that can absorb heat. While such strategies have the potential to reduce global temperatures, they could also introduce an array of unknown or negative consequences.
This new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine concludes that a strategic investment in research is needed to enhance policymakers' understanding of climate response options. The United States should develop a transdisciplinary research program, in collaboration with other nations, to advance understanding of solar geoengineering's technical feasibility and effectiveness, possible impacts on society and the environment, and social dimensions such as public perceptions, political and economic dynamics, and ethical and equity considerations. The program should operate under robust research governance that includes such elements as a research code of conduct, a public registry for research, permitting systems for outdoor experiments, guidance on intellectual property, and inclusive public and stakeholder engagement processes.
These briefings were for members of Congress and congressional staff only. The report was publicly released on March 25, 2021 and can be found, in its entirety, on the Web site of the National Academies Press.