A recent report emphasizes the necessity of grounding any research on large-scale climate interventions in robust ethical principles. This approach is essential for helping society make well-informed decisions about implementing such strategies.
With increasing interest in geoengineering to combat global warming, the world’s leading organization for Earth and space scientists has introduced an ethical framework aimed at fostering responsible decision-making and inclusive discussions.
According to the report, which is backed by the American Geophysical Union (AGU) and a diverse global panel of experts, all research into significant climate intervention strategies must be founded on solid ethical standards. This is crucial for society to grasp the potential implications of these interventions, as the unintended consequences of large-scale implementation remain largely unclear.
“We need to act on climate change immediately, and addressing carbon emissions is our top and non-negotiable priority,” stated AGU President Lisa J. Graumlich. “However, as the urgency for large-scale interventions in Earth’s climate system increases, we must ensure that research is conducted inclusively, equitably, and justly, with careful consideration of the associated risks and benefits.”
“We all share this planet, but solutions cannot be one-size-fits-all,” remarked Carlos Nobre, a senior researcher at the Institute for Advanced Studies in São Paulo, Brazil, and a member of the Advisory Board on the Ethical Framework. “Global communities face unique challenges and vulnerabilities. As we explore solutions to the existential threat of climate change, it’s critical to center ethical considerations. This framework lays the groundwork for effective collaboration and partnership.”
The report, titled Ethical Framework Principles for Climate Intervention Research, aims to establish a universally accepted set of ethical principles to guide research, funding, and policy initiatives. It draws inspiration from established ethical practices in other emerging fields with uncertain outcomes, such as biomedical research and genetic engineering.
During the 2015 UN Paris Agreement, nations committed to efforts to keep global temperature increases to within 1.5 degrees Celsius. Nevertheless, global emissions continue to rise, and every fractional increase in temperature leads to more extreme weather events, such as storms, floods, heatwaves, and a heightened risk of catastrophic changes, including the transformation of the Amazon rainforest into dry savannah or the collapse of the Greenland Ice Sheet.
Climate interventions, often referred to as geoengineering or climate engineering, are intentional and broad strategies aimed at modifying the climate system to halt, slow, or reverse global warming. These methods include:
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carbon dioxide removal, which focuses on extracting greenhouse gases from the atmosphere and storing them, through methods like reforestation or enhancing the ocean’s ability to absorb carbon;
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solar radiation modification, aimed at decreasing the amount of solar radiation that Earth absorbs, through techniques that increase sunlight reflection from clouds or using space-based sunshades;
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and innovative technologies and studies aimed at preserving ice sheets and restoring sea ice and permafrost.
“Climate intervention should never substitute for reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” stated AGU Interim Executive Director and CEO Janice R. Lachance. “Nonetheless, there is an ongoing debate on whether it should be included as part of a broader strategy to mitigate warming, manage the legacy of carbon emissions from previous centuries, and align with global temperature goals. AGU is proud to advocate for a responsible pursuit of knowledge in this field.”
The framework was developed over two years, guided by an advisory board comprised of more than 40 international experts from various fields, alongside extensive public consultations worldwide. It incorporates contributions from hundreds of scientists, policymakers, ethicists, government bodies, NGOs, the private sector, and communities potentially affected by climate interventions. The framework suggests that all new research endeavors, funding allocations, and policy proposals must adhere to five core principles:
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Responsible Research. Research into climate intervention must not be framed as an alternative to emissions reduction. Researchers should provide clear public justification for their work and assess not only its immediate risks but also the broader physical, environmental, and social repercussions if it were implemented widely.
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Holistic Climate Justice. Prior to commencing an activity, researchers should evaluate whether it might shift climate impacts from one group to another, and consider its implications for those facing social, economic, climate, and environmental injustices, as well as future generations and biodiversity.
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Inclusive Public Participation. Researchers must engage in fair and inclusive processes to identify and involve groups that may be affected by their work, ensuring that they include Indigenous Peoples’ perspectives and secure their free, prior, and informed consent.
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Transparency. Funding for climate intervention research should be transparent, and researchers must manage data responsibly, report the nature of the science accurately, and document the decision-making process thoroughly, including any negative findings.
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Informed Governance. For technologies with significant risks, funding agencies should mandate that research proposals undergo independent review and approval. Higher risk activities or those on a larger scale should receive greater scrutiny. Researchers should be accountable to a diverse range of public institutions and stakeholders relevant to the research’s impact.
“Communities must voice their concerns regarding decisions that affect them,” stated project lead Billy Williams, AGU’s Executive Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. “While climate change poses a collective risk to all, its consequences are disproportionately experienced. As we consider technological solutions to combat warming, we must be careful not to exacerbate these inequalities.”
This framework is applicable to all types of climate interventions, including laboratory research, computer modeling, and field activities. It is designed to be flexible, allowing it to be adapted to various contexts and stakeholders, while evolving as society’s understanding of climate risks and interventions progresses.
AGU aims for this framework to stimulate discussions within the wider community involved in climate intervention research, policy-making, and funding, and to encourage the establishment of ethical norms in research practices.
“AGU and the contributors strongly urge all involved parties—researchers, funders, and policymakers—to adopt these ethical principles when considering or engaging in climate intervention research,” concludes the report.
For more information on the report, visit: https://www.agu.org/ethicalframeworkprinciples
