Solar radiation management: a history of the governance and political milestones

Abstract

This paper provides a chronological review of the governance history of solar radiation management (SRM), also called solar geoengineering, from 2006 to 2024. Often characterized as an ungoverned space, we argue that the governance landscape for SRM is actually quite rich, though activity is primarily in the Global North, where research and governance capacity is concentrated. We illuminate the many governance initiatives and mechanisms in this area, explaining each mechanism's significance, relevant politics, and intersections with questions of environmental justice. We then identify gaps, limitations, possible future developments, and key contestations, including as related to justice. Crucially, as the chronological review shows, historical developments have largely occurred within a handful of countries in the Global North, laying bare the need to strengthen ongoing efforts to capacitate climate vulnerable countries in the Global South so they can more effectively shape the trajectory of SRM governance. We conclude by offering suggestions for future governance development.