Solar Radiation Management: Research, Governance and Uncertainty


Please join the Caribbean Academy of Sciences, Jamaica (CASJ), The University of the West Indies (UWI) and the Solar Radiation Management Governance Initiative (SRMGI), for a participatory workshop on SRM geoengineering, a highly controversial proposal for addressing climate change. The event will be chaired by Professor Tara Dasgupta, (Chair, CASJ) and will emphasise participatory activities and group discussions. Speakers include Professor Michael Taylor (The University of West Indies, Mona), Andy Parker (Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies, Germany) and Mr. Dwight Lewis (Senior Advisor on Energy Matters to Dr. The Hon. Andrew Wheatley, Minister of Science, Energy and Technology).

Thursday, July 7, 2016 (9:00 am - 4:00 pm) Physics Lecture Theatre C,
The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus

Agenda for the workshop.

Background

Solar radiation management geoengineering (SRM) is a controversial proposal for addressing some of the risks of climate change by blocking a small fraction of inbound sunlight. Its potential importance should not be underestimated, as it is the only known method for quickly slowing (or even reversing) rises in global temperatures. This means that it has the potential be a helpful complement to mitigation and adaptation in the fight against climate change. However its environmental and political effects are still poorly understood and would not be restricted by national boundaries. SRM also has the potential to be very damaging.

While it is unclear whether SRM would be helpful or harmful overall, one thing is clear: many developing countries would stand to gain or lose the most if SRM were ever used. They are often less resilient to environmental change, whether caused by global warming or by any SRM geoengineering attempts to address it. Despite this, most research and discussion of SRM has taken place in developed countries.

The goals of this workshop are to introduce the science of SRM geoengineering and the numerous ethical and governance issues that it raises, then to encourage participants to share their opinions and ideas on SRM and governance of research, and how Jamaica can become more involved in global discussions. The ultimate goal is to start a conversation and to develop the capacity of Jamaican academics, NGO representatives and policymakers to have their voices heard in future international discussions.

The Caribbean Academy of Sciences, Jamaica (CASJ) is a Registered Charity whose main objectives are: to unite scientists from the social, biological, and physical sciences, as well as educators, to provide intellectual leadership and public advocacy for sound science, scientific thinking, research, and practice in Jamaica, to provide a forum for the consideration of ideas and issues related to science and technology, to serve as a source of advice to governments and non-governmental organizations on scientific and technological matters to facilitate cooperation in scientific and technological research with special reference to the Caribbean.

SRMGI is an international NGO-drive initiative launched in 2010. It does not take a position on solar radiation management (SRM) geoengineering. Recognizing that SRM could be very helpful or harmful, but is not being widely discussed, SRMGI seeks to expand the global conversation around governance of SRM research, particularly to developing countries (www.srmgi.org).

Space is limited, so please register by Jul 1, 2016 by contacting, Englebert Davis via <englebert@caswi.org> if you would like to attend. Also, indicate if you have any dietary restrictions. Registration, lunch and refreshments are free of cost.

last updated 5th July 2016