From 16 to 17 October 2025, government representatives and researchers from across Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) gathered in Bogotá, Colombia for a Multilateral Simulation Workshop on the Governance of Solar Radiation Modification (SRM). SRM, also known as solar geoengineering, would involve reflecting some sunlight away from the Earth to reduce global warming. If it is ever used, and how it is governed, are crucial decisions that need informed participation from all countries and regions. Hosted by IDEAM (The Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology and Climate Studies, Colombia), the event was the third in a regional series called From Science to Decision-Making, co-organised by the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI), The Degrees Initiative, and the Alliance for Just Deliberation on Solar Geoengineering (DSG). The first two workshops were held online, while this third session brought participants together for in-person discussions and an interactive exercise that simulated international negotiations on the governance of SRM.
Researchers from across the LAC region, who work on SRM through Degrees grants, played a central role by sharing their expertise. They acted as advisers throughout the simulation, ensuring decision-makers could draw on local scientific knowledge, and not just generalised information, while exploring this challenging topic.
A fictional diplomatic simulation grounded in real-world dynamics
After the researchers gave refresher presentations on the science fundamentals and the state of governance of SRM, the participants stepped into fictional country groupings to explore national priorities, ethical dilemmas and negotiation dynamics. The fictional countries were grounded in real geopolitical dynamics, and the workshop culminated in lively discussion and debate around draft resolution text. The aim wasn’t to reach agreement, but to build capacity, with participants learning how to interpret uncertain science, understand science and governance gaps, and navigate the unique ethical and equity challenges that come with SRM.
Key takeaways for participants
Over two days, participants reported a number of important outcomes:
- A stronger grasp of SRM, including scientific basis and the ethical, political, and institutional challenges of governance and research.
- Better connections between science and policy, with Degrees-funded researchers bridging gaps between technical knowledge and diplomatic decision-making.
- New pathways for coordination, enabling participants to engage more effectively in national, regional, and global SRM conversations.
Building bridges between Global South scientists and policymakers
The simulation also exposed tensions at the science–policy interface. Participants grappled with the disconnect between politically relevant information and the specificity of scientific investigation. These tensions underscored the value of meetings like this, helping scientists and policymakers build relationships and develop a shared language for communicating their priorities and perspectives. The IAI, DSG, and Degrees take no position on whether SRM should ever be used. Their goal is to strengthen the LAC region’s capacity to make informed, equitable decisions on SRM should it rise on the global policy agenda. As this regional series concludes, Degrees will continue working with its funded researchers and partners to build research capacity and support evidence-based discussion on solar geoengineering across Latin America and the Caribbean.