未来能源研究所-促进印度跨学科太阳能地球工程研究的战略（英）-2023.9-32页_684kb

Summary of the Report on Promoting Interdisciplinary Solar Geoengineering Research in India

Background and Motivation

• Climate change poses significant risks, with India experiencing extreme events like heatwaves and floods. Mitigation efforts under the Paris Agreement are inadequate, potentially leading to a need for solar geoengineering (SG) as a supplementary approach.
• India's large population and reliance on climate-sensitive sectors make it highly vulnerable, necessitating research into all aspects of SG, including scientific, socioeconomic, and governance dimensions.

Methodology

• The report combines a literature review, expert opinion surveys, and analysis of funded projects and publications.
• A questionnaire was sent to 30 experts (mostly academics), yielding responses on research gaps, priorities, and governance needs.

Key Findings

• Research in India on SG is extremely limited, with about 20 natural science and 6 social science publications since 2015. Interdisciplinary studies are virtually absent.
• Experts overwhelmingly support national policy for SG research, emphasizing the need for government funding, transparency, public disclosure, and monitoring to address risks and uncertainties.
• Social science research on SG is underappreciated, with barriers including lack of funding and awareness. Most climate clusters focus on natural sciences, downplaying social implications.
• India is urged to lead global SG research due to its vulnerability, advocating for international collaborations and inclusive governance.

Recommendations

• Develop a national policy prioritizing interdisciplinary research, integrating natural and social sciences, with focus on modeling, risk assessments, and policy analysis.
• Allocate primary funding from government sources like the Department of Science and Technology (DST), while encouraging international partnerships and corporate involvement where appropriate.
• Establish regulatory mechanisms, such as an interdepartmental committee under DST, for monitoring and enforcing transparency and stakeholder consultation.
• Promote collaborations with global institutions and fund pilot projects under strict governance to manage transboundary risks effectively.

Implications

• SG research could weaken efforts on mitigation and adaptation if seen as a substitute, but it offers potential risk-reduction under inadequate climate actions.
• Strong governance is essential to prevent vulnerabilities, including equity issues, termination shock, and geopolitical conflicts, with a focus on controlled deployment and societal engagement.

-This summary highlights the critical need for India to proactively engage in interdisciplinary SG research, aligned with global calls for transparency and policy development.