Governance of solar radiation management (SRM) research: African perspectives
In 2012 and 2013, SRMGI (the Degrees Initiative) ran a series of three engagement meetings around Africa, in partnership with the African Academy of Sciences. The first of the meetings was held in Dakar, Senegal, and was co-hosted by Senegalese National Academy of Science and Technology (ANSTS). It brought together 45 participants, including policymakers, academics, journalists and members of the public representing 14 different African nations.
The goal of the workshop was to introduce African stakeholders to the concept and implications of SRM and explore issues around the governance of SRM research through group activities and facilitated participant discussions. The meeting was chaired jointly by Prof Ahmadou L. Ndiaye, former President of the AAS and Prof Berhanu Abegaz, Executive Director of AAS. Prof Ndiaye gave the welcoming address, which was followed by presentations and discussion. Prof Richard Odingo presented on the climate threats faced around Africa, and made comment on some of the possible implications of SRM. Representing SRMGI/Degrees, Andy Parker, Cassandra Brunette and Alex Hanafi gave talks on the scientific and socio-political implications of SRM, as well as the governance issues it raises.
In the afternoon, Prof Georges-Ivo Ekosse of Walter Sisulu University gave a lecture on Africa’s involvement with SRM, followed by group exercises, facilitated by Alex Hanafi and Andy Parker. The workshop concluded with a plenary discussion among workshop participants and was moderated by Prof Abegaz.
