Workshop on the Science and Governance of Solar Radiation Management

Please join Beijing Normal University (BNU), supported by the Solar Radiation Management Governance Initiative (SRMGI), for an introductory workshop on solar radiation management geoengineering, a controversial proposal for addressing some of the risks of climate change by blocking out some sunlight.
DATE: 

13 May 2017, 10:00 – 15:00
Registration from 09:30 to 10:00 / Networking opportunities from 15:00 to 16:00
VENUE: 

Yuan Chen Xin International Hotel (12 Yu Min Road, Chao Yang district, Beijing, China, 100029
ABOUT THE WORKSHOP
SRMGI supports workshops around the world to increase developing country engagement with solar radiation management (SRM), with a focus on the issues that will determine the future of this controversial technology: what research is needed, and how it will be governed. Expert presentations introduce the science of SRM and the ethical and governance issues that it raises, but a large part of the workshop will be small group table discussions. This encourages participants to explore the challenges of SRM, and develop their own perspectives on how research should be governed. SRMGI does not take a position on SRM geoengineering, and all perspectives are welcome at the workshop.
SPEAKERS INCLUDE
Prof. Xu Guanhua, Former Minister of Science and Technology of China
Prof. John Shepherd CBE FRS, University of Southampton, UK
Janos Pasztor, Carnegie Climate Geoengineering Governance Initiative, Switzerland
Prof. Cheng Xiao, Beijing Normal University
Prof. John Moore, Beijing Normal University
Andy Parker, Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies, Germany
SRM BACKGROUND
Solar radiation management (SRM) is a proposal for reducing some of the risks of climate change by reflecting away a small amount of sunlight away from the Earth. It is clear that SRM cannot be an alternative to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, if it could be made to work, SRM would be the only known way to quickly slow, stop, or even reverse the rise in temperatures from global warming. As such, it might represent the only way to achieve the 1.5°C temperature target agreed in the Paris climate talks. However, there are large uncertainties and potential risks, and SRM could prove worse than the climate change it is seeking to address. Developing countries could stand to gain or lose the most if SRM were ever used, but despite this, most research and discussion of SRM has taken place in developed countries.
REGISTRATION
No prior geoengineering expertise is necessary, as this will be an introductory workshop suitable for people from all backgrounds. Lunch will be provided, and spaces are limited.