GLASGOW, Scotland — A coalition of international organizations has unveiled the Solar Geoengineering Research Governance (SGRG) Platform, aiming to enhance the governance of solar geoengineering research. This initiative, announced on February 24, 2026, seeks to provide consistent and transparent frameworks for managing the risks and ethical considerations associated with solar geoengineering technologies.
The SGRG Platform is a collaborative effort involving prominent organizations such as the American Geophysical Union (AGU), the Alliance for Just Deliberation on Solar Geoengineering, the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). These groups are committed to developing shared tools that enable research institutions to clarify decision-making processes, address public concerns, and manage risks effectively.
Building a Framework for Responsible Research
As solar geoengineering research gains momentum, there is an urgent need for governance systems that can keep pace. “Solar geoengineering research is advancing faster than governance systems can keep pace,” noted Shuchi Talati, Executive Director at DSG. The platform aims to create governance tools that ensure ethical practices are embedded in research processes, thereby safeguarding public interests.
The SGRG will produce a range of resources, including a living Research Governance Charter that sets baseline expectations for transparency, engagement, and scientific merit. This charter will be complemented by a public disclosure system documenting research plans, funding sources, and community engagement processes. These initiatives intend to foster trust and accountability in a field that has faced significant political scrutiny due to controversial field experiments.
According to Janice R. Lachance, CEO of AGU, the organization is proud to serve as a founding partner of the SGRG. “Guided by global voices across research and practice, AGU created the Ethical Framework for Climate Intervention Research,” she stated, emphasizing the importance of inclusive and transparent practices.
Global Collaboration and Local Impact
The SGRG Platform is designed to support governance that is adaptable to various contexts, recognizing that different research environments require tailored approaches. Regional nodes will facilitate local leadership, particularly from institutions in the Global South, ensuring that governance practices are relevant and effective.
In addition to governance frameworks, the SGRG will include independent scientific merit review options and accountability mechanisms for intellectual property and risk management. These tools aim to elevate community concerns and incorporate them into the research agenda, ensuring that the voices of affected populations are heard.
The UK Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA), which currently funds solar radiation management research, has expressed its commitment to collaborating with the SGRG. The agency is keen to share insights gained from its research governance practices and aims to be an early adopter of the SGRG principles.
The launch of the SGRG Platform is set for July 2026, with the next few months dedicated to finalizing initial governance components and confirming additional partnerships. This proactive approach seeks to close the governance gap that currently exists as solar geoengineering research continues to expand.
Richie Kaur, a Senior Advocate at NRDC, encapsulated the mission of the SGRG, stating, “This effort is about closing that gap and making sure the research prioritizes public interests, not private profits.” By establishing a framework that promotes transparency and accountability, the SGRG aims to ensure that the evolution of solar geoengineering research aligns with societal values and ethical standards.
As the global community grapples with the challenges of climate change, the SGRG Platform represents a crucial step toward responsible research governance that prioritizes both scientific advancement and public trust.
