Experimental research on solar radiation modification (SRM) is controversial and feared to distract from climate change mitigation or lead to dangerous SRM use.
Co-CREATE seeks to help structure this decision problem through co-creative scoping, analysis, and engagement to develop principles and guidelines. Starting with a series of scoping notes that outline key dimensions of experimental SRM research, the project will analyze and develop decision-support tools by asking what we can learn from governance analogues, and how various (risk) evaluation frameworks may help identify key characteristics of research proposals. Furthermore, CO-CREATE itself will enter an extensive stakeholder and rightsholder dialogue that validates preliminary analytical work, ensures stakeholders’ diverse dimensions of concern are included, and strengthens deliberative capacity.
Co-CREATE proposes guidelines and principles to facilitate decision-making by the relevant authorities on broader categories of experimental research of SRM and case-by-case decisions.
36 Months from 01/01/2024 to 31/12/2026
General aims
Co-CREATE general objective is to develop and propose – jointly with stakeholders – conditions for and elements of a possible governance framework for experimental Solar Radiation Modification (SRM) research in the European Research Area (ERA). It structures the complex and normatively ambiguous decision problem surrounding SRM research to support decisions on the circumstances under which some experimental research may be appropriate.
Given this ambitious goal, the project will:
1. clarify the critical dimensions of SRM experiments and SRM’s potential and risks;
2. operationalized SRM definitions and clarity on the applicability of present regulatory guidance in the ERA and its limitations;
3. clarify the conditions for robust SRM research governance, evaluation frameworks, and principles and guidelines;
4. propose an inclusive expert and stakeholder dialogue process.
CMCC role
CMCC is one of the partners of the Consortium, and it leads WP5 regarding the Governance Analysis (incl. risk evaluation frameworks, scenarios, and governance analogues). CMCC will focus on developing a set of complementary evaluation frameworks (incl. identification of their limitations) and scenario development (of research and governance developments), identifying lessons from governance analogues for a future SRM research governance framework.
It also actively participates in the project’s management and governance (WP1), Synthesis, incl. Principles, and Guidelines (WP7), and the Communication, Dissemination, and Exploitation of the project’s results (WP8).
Activities
The project is divided into six research-oriented WPs:
- Interdisciplinary scoping (current knowledge on SRM and defining case studies) (WP2)
- Science and Technical Analysis (WP3)
- Legal and Ethical Analysis (WP4)
- Governance Analysis (incl. risk evaluation frameworks, scenarios, and governance analogues) (WP5)
- Responsible Innovation and Stakeholder Engagement (WP6)
- Synthesis incl. Principles and Guidelines (WP7)
plus two ancillary work packages: on project Management, Coordination and Governance (WP1) and on Communication, Dissemination and Exploitation of project’s results (WP8).
Expected results
CO-CREATE will contribute to advance the knowledge and governance regarding understanding of the potential contribution of SRM to climate stabilisation, and its associated risks supports through improved ability to structure general and specific decision-problems regarding SRM research and strengthened ability to highlight values and discern assumptions in judgments.
The project will help the EU, and its research partners to:
- Understand the benefits and risks of SRM and how to address them in decision-making
- Establish clear and consistent rules and guidelines for SRM research and experimentation
- Enhance the dialogue and cooperation among different actors and perspectives on SRM
- Support the development of safe and legitimate SRM research and deployment options
Partners
- Stichting Climate Strategies – (NL)
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique – (FR)
- Reynolds Jesse Lee – (NL)
- Fondazione Centro Euro-Mediterraneo sui Cambiamenti Climatici – (IT)
- Fundacja Instytut Reform – (PL)
- Institut fuer Weltwirtschaft – (DE)
- Lapin Yliopisto – (FI)
- Trilateral Research Limited – (IE)
- Universiteit Twente – (NL)
- Associated Partner: Climate Strategies – (UK)
- Associated Partner: Trilateral Research Ltd (UK)
- Associated Partner: The University of Manchester (UK)
- Associated Partner: University College London (UK)