The Degrees Initiative today announced a major expansion in developing-country research on solar radiation modification (SRM), supporting nine new teams of social scientists to explore the socio-political dimensions of SRM. These new projects—based in Argentina, Bangladesh, Brazil (x2), Ghana, India, Mexico, Pakistan, and the Philippines—mark the beginning of the first international SRM research programme aimed exclusively at social scientists in developing countries. After the research teams were selected earlier this year, they joined us in Istanbul for a research-planning workshop alongside SRM experts volunteering their time as research collaborators. During the workshop, the teams presented their research plans, shared insights and discussed challenges from their regions, and then worked with the research collaborators to refine their proposals. With the projects now finalised, the new cohort will begin their research, working to better understand how the use of SRM relates to a range of topics, including economics, ethics, health justice, public perception, and governance.
The nine new projects will now form a key part of building the evidence base on SRM, alongside the 150+ Degrees-funded climate scientists modelling the impacts of SRM and climate change. These scientists have gone on to become experts in the field, publishing groundbreaking research, serving on UN expert panels, and leading regional conversations on the potential and the risks of SRM. Now the Degrees Initiative hopes to do the same for social sciences. Many observers believe that the social, political, and ethical dimensions of SRM could prove even more challenging than the physical ones. Who gets to decide if SRM is used or rejected? What ethical considerations should guide research and its governance? How do the socio-political impacts of further warming compare to those of SRM? Over the next few years, Degrees will support teams from around the world as they delve into these questions and take their place at the heart of the global conversation. The expansion of Degrees’ research funds is displayed in the maps below:
Combined DMF and SPF project map
The world’s most climate-vulnerable regions have the most to gain or to lose from SRM. The new social science research projects will help stakeholders better understand the risks of implementing or rejecting SRM. This in turn will nudge the world towards more equitable and informed evaluation of the options for addressing climate change. As ever with Degrees Initiative grants, the researchers were free to define their own research questions, and funding selections were based on independent peer review.
“If the world is going to make informed and equitable decisions about SRM, developing countries need to do their own research and make their own minds up. We are proud to support these new teams as they transform socio-political research into SRM.”
Andy Parker
CEO and Founder, The Degrees Initiative
“Social science research in SRM is so important as it can bring critical perspectives to addressing ethical, social, and governance issues. Including the Global South in this ensures that their perspectives and needs are considered, promoting equity and justice in global climate policy.”
Lorena Sabino
Principal Investigator, Philippines team
“The Degrees Initiative’s funding will enable the first multi-country study (Brazil, India and South Africa) into SRM using systems thinking in the Global South.”
Mauricio Uriona Maldonado
Principal Investigator, Brazil team
“We will be creating evidence and national guidance towards streamlining knowledge, governance systems and social implications of SRM to expand the contribution of local perspectives from Ghana into conversations globally.”
Portia Adade Williams
Principal Investigator, Ghana team
