State Commissioning of Solar Radiation Management Geoengineering

Abstract

Solar Radiation Management (SRM) is a proposed response to Anthropogenic Global Warming (AGW). Other papers consider private SRM provision, e.g. via Voluntary Carbon Offsets (VCO). Limited VCO markets would under-supply SRM, so state provision or mandating is possible. Public funding does not presume state execution; private subcontracting is feasible. Notwithstanding concerns about privatization, we assume state commissioning of SRM–proposing and analyzing plausible governance, by adapting extant proposals. We consider two regulatory functions: legal/corporate; and scientific/technical. We briefly discuss mandatory, emissions-linked SRM funding. State contracting is deemed plausible, e.g. for historic emissions. For future emissions, mandatory polluter-pays SRM may be preferable.