SilverLining Applauds Discussions on Climate Intervention Research at the UN Environment Assembly

February 29, 2024 - The Sixth Session of the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-6) in Kenya is concluding today. A significant topic of the international convening was a proposed resolution to establish a panel to review scientific and societal considerations on a prominent form of rapid climate intervention: releasing particles into the atmosphere to reflect sunlight or alter the properties of clouds, also known as solar radiation modification (SRM).

Switzerland and Monaco presented a draft resolution on SRM that countries discussed but did not ultimately pass. The discussion highlighted growing policy interest in research on climate intervention as the world faces escalating climate change impacts and approaches climate tipping points. The dialogue at UNEA-6 builds on official publications on SRM released by the United Nations’ Environmental Program, the United States federal government, the European Commission, and the announcement of a Lighthouse Activity on Climate Intervention Research in the World Climate Research Programme. 

Kelly Wanser, Executive Director of SilverLining issued the following statement:

“The UN Environment Assembly meeting this week in Nairobi spurred a productive and open conversation among nations on how to address gaps in research and how to promote equitable access to information on solar radiation modification. UNEA-6 rightfully focused on the critical need to dramatically reduce emissions, but, as the conversation highlighted, it’s also important for global leaders to support evaluation of climate intervention as a possible means of keeping the world’s most vulnerable people safe from near-term climate risk. 

While countries did not reach agreement, the discussion underscored the importance of transparent, cooperative scientific research to inform dialogue and the urgency of making scientific information more accessible to developing countries. The meeting in Nairobi is an important signal that research on solar radiation modification is critical to support international policy conversations and also that we must ensure that it is inclusive.”

SilverLining had a team on the ground at UNEA-6 to follow and contribute to the discussions and also supported an African youth-led dialogue including experts and UN youth leaders. A complete list of the organization’s research publications on the subject is available here.

Kelly Wanser can be available for additional comments. For media inquiries, please contact Jesus Chavez at jesus@singularity.green.

About SilverLining:

SilverLining is a non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring that society has sufficient information and options to protect the world’s most vulnerable people and ecosystems from near-term climate risk. Like a medical foundation, SilverLining works to advance research and innovation, promote equitable and effective policies, and raise public awareness to reduce harm and save lives. SilverLining engages with the research community, policymakers, technologists, civil society, and other stakeholders in its efforts to ensure a safe climate. For more information, visit www.silverlining.ngo.