The Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), working with Sciencewise, co-commissioned a public dialogue to explore how people in the UK view solar radiation modification (SRM) – a set of proposed techniques to reflect sunlight away from the earth in order to cool the planet.

This project engaged a diverse group of UK residents in deliberation on SRM to understand public views, values, and concerns about both research and any potential future deployment. It aimed to uncover how the public understands SRM, what trade-offs or concerns people consider important, and under what conditions they might (or might not) support its development. The findings also inform how SRM research and modelling might better align with public values and scrutiny. The public dialogue was conducted in the context of wider developments within the UK funding landscape on SRM with the Advanced Research and Invention Agency funding a Climate Cooling Programme.

While there is currently no UK government proposal to deploy SRM technologies, the insights contribute to more informed policy, and research investment and planning by integrating public perspectives with scientific evidence.

Project details

The dialogue involved 52 participants drawn from across the UK, selected to reflect a broad range of voices and perspectives – including diversity of age, gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic background, geographic location, and attitudes towards climate change.

An Oversight Group chaired by Professor Jack Stilgoe of University College London was convened to guide project governance, ensure balance in design, and review materials and methods.

Hopkins Van Mil designed and delivered the dialogue process with URSUS Consulting Ltd. serving as the independent evaluator.

The dialogue took place in the autumn of 2025, with participants taking part in over 17 hours of deliberation across four workshops — three online and one in-person across four UK locations (Glasgow, Chester, Exeter, and Peterborough). Participants heard evidence from 19 specialist presenters representing diverse perspectives on climate science, ethics, geopolitics, and governance.

Principles for SRM Research

Through their deliberations, participants developed six core principles they believe should guide SRM research, with some also relating to any future deployment:

1. Do no harm to people or the environment
2. Do not distract from reducing greenhouse gas emissions
3. Global collaboration, equity, and governance
4. Public information and engagement
5. Prioritise the public good and future generations
6. Research integrity, transparency, and accountability

Impact

The report of findings, Solar Radiation Modification: A Public Dialogue – Public Views on SRM Research & Potential Deployment, is published in full here. A full independent evaluation will be published in mid-2026. 

The results will be shared with government, funders, research bodies, and stakeholders to help shape future climate policy, research direction, and public engagement strategies. The findings will directly inform NERC’s £10.5 million investment in four SRM research projects running from 2025 to 2030, and has wider implications for research investment in this area in the UK.