Oxford Principles on Regulation of Geoengineering
A British House of Commons report called "The Regulation of Geoengineering" (pdf) came out last month, with a point by point discussion of the "Oxford Principles" recommended by Steve Rayner (University of Oxford), Catherine Redgwell (University College London), Julian Savulescu (University of Oxford), Nick Pidgeon (Cardiff University) and Tim Kruger (Oxford Geoengineering Institute).
Here are the five principles, each followed by the Parliament's conclusion (in italics).
Principle 1: Geoengineering to be regulated as a public good
While the involvement of the private sector in the delivery of a geoengineering technique should not be prohibited, and may indeed be encouraged to ensure that deployment of a suitable technique can be effected in a timely and efficient manner, regulation of such techniques should be undertaken in the public interest by the appropriate bodies at the state and/or international levels.
We conclude that Principle 1 of the suggested five key principles on how geoengineering research should be guided—“Geoengineering to be regulated as a public good”—needs, first, to be worked up in detail to define public good and public interest. Second, the implied restriction suggested in the explanatory text to the Principle on intellectual property rights must be framed in such a manner that it does not deter investment in geoengineering techniques. Without private investment, some geoengineering techniques will never be developed.
Principle 2: Public participation in geoengineering decision-making
Wherever possible, those conducting geoengineering research should be required to notify, consult, and ideally obtain the prior informed consent of, those affected by the research activities. The identity of affected parties will be dependent on the specific technique which is being researched - for example, a technique which captures carbon dioxide from the air and geologically sequesters it within the territory of a single state will likely require consultation and agreement only at the national or local level, while a technique which involves changing the albedo of the planet by injecting aerosols into the stratosphere will likely require global agreement.
We conclude that Principle 2 —“Public participation in geoengineering decision- making”—is to be supported but it needs to spell out in the explanatory text what consultation means and whether, and how, those affected can veto or alter proposed geoengineering tests.
Principle 3: Disclosure of geoengineering research and open publication of results
There should be complete disclosure of research plans and open publication of results in order to facilitate better understanding of the risks and to reassure the public as to the integrity of the process. It is essential that the results of all research, including negative results, be made publicly available.
We endorse Principle 3 — “Disclosure of geoengineering research and open publication of results”. The requirement to disclose the results of geoengineering research should be unqualified. We recommend that the Government press for an international database of geoengineering research to encourage and facilitate disclosure.
Principle 4: Independent assessment of impacts
An assessment of the impacts of geoengineering research should be conducted by a body independent of those undertaking the research; where techniques are likely to have transboundary impact, such assessment should be carried out through the appropriate regional and/or international bodies. Assessments should address both the environmental and socio-economic impacts of research, including mitigating the risks of lock-in to particular technologies or vested interests.
We also endorse Principle 4 —“The independent assessment of impacts”. But it too needs to be worked up in more detail in the explanatory text to: (i) define impacts; (ii) produce agreed mechanisms for assessing impacts, including for assessing the impact of global warming; and (iii) determine whether and how compensation should be assessed and paid. The agreement of these arrangements will need to command the broadest level of support across the globe and we consider that UN-led, multilateral processes are the best way to secure concurrence.
Principle 5: Governance before deployment
Any decisions with respect to deployment should only be taken with robust governance structures already in place, using existing rules and institutions wherever possible.
We endorse Principle 5 —“Governance before deployment of any geoengineering technique”. We recommend that the Government carry out research, and press for research to be carried out through international bodies on the legal, social and ethical implications, and regulation and governance of geoengineering.
The Oxford Geoengineering Institute, which was founded by Principles coauthor Tim Kruger and features a notable list of advisors, is researching a geoengineering technique called Cquestrate.
See also Dale Jamieson on the ethics of geoengineering.
