Issue Risk of unilateral solar geoengineering in a governance vacuum

Summary

The report argues that beyond its physical uncertainties, solar radiation modification adds social and political risks. Geopolitically, some measures are relatively cheap and could have global effects, so without specific international rules a single actor or a few could plausibly act alone. That could spark diplomatic tension, disputes over blame for climate damage or pre-emptive responses by other states. The report treats the lack of governance as a risk in itself, since it signals missing institutions, participation and political commitment for a complex and highly uncertain problem. The dominant response so far has been to contain SRM through non-binding principles and guidelines, mostly national and weakly coordinated internationally, even as recognition grows that research cannot easily be halted worldwide. Without clear rules and amid geopolitical fragmentation, the report warns, unilateral dynamics and conflict could escalate.