The Governance of Solar Geoengineering
The Governance of Solar Geoengineering
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Climate change is among the world's most important problems, and solutions based on emission cuts or adapting to new climates remain elusive. One set of proposals receiving increasing attention among scientists and policymakers is 'solar geoengineering', (also known as solar radiation modification) which would reflect a small portion of incoming sunlight to reduce climate change. Evidence indicates that this could be effective, inexpensive, and technically feasible, but it poses environmental risks and social challenges. Governance will thus be crucial. In The Governance of Solar Geoengineering, Jesse L. Reynolds draws on law, political science, and economics to show how solar geoengineering is, could, and should be governed. The book considers states' incentives and behavior, international and national law, intellectual property, compensation for possible harm, and non-state governance. It also recommends how solar geoengineering could be responsibly researched, developed, and - if appropriate - used in ways that would improve human well-being and ensure sustainability.
- The first book to address the global issue of managing and implementing solar geoengineering research
- Offers detailed proposed governance
- Vital reading for scholars and policy makers
Reviews & endorsements
‘Reynolds has written the go-to guide to solar geoengineering governance. Sober, balanced, and comprehensive - essential reading for proponents and skeptics alike.' Daniel Bodansky, Arizona State University
'As we encounter increasingly severe climate change impacts, the world is likely to consider solar geoengineering. This book lays out governance considerations that the technologies would instigate. As Reynolds suggests, we should pay attention to these issues, including the necessary norm building and international cooperation, sooner rather than later.' Jane Long, former Associate Director for Energy and Environment, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
'Some forms of solar geoengineering (also known as solar radiation modification) would require unprecedented international governance. As interest rises in these technologies, governments and non-state actors should address the governance challenge now, before events potentially overtake. Reynolds’ book is a timely contribution to a more informed global discussion.' Janos Pasztor, Executive Director of the Carnegie Climate Geoengineering Governance Initiative and former United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Climate Change
'Reynolds writes in an excellent, accessible style and provides a full overview of the relevant literature. His interdisciplinary approach, combining political science, law and economics is a welcome departure from the many ‘singlediscipline’ approaches to geoengineering’. Axel Michaelowa, Environmental Politics
Product details
May 2019Hardback
9781107161955
250 pages
230 × 154 × 30 mm
0.6kg
1 b/w illus. 1 table
Available
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Climate change and solar geoengineering
- 3. Solar geoengineering and emissions abatement
- 4. International relations
- 5. International law: legal norms, principles, custom, and organizations
- 6. International law: the climate and atmosphere
- 7. International law: human rights
- 8. International law: other agreements
- 9. US law
- 10. Nonstate governance
- 11. Nonstate actors and intellectual property
- 12. International compensation and liability
- 13. A path forward
- 14. Conclusion.
