Why we need to explore conflict and competition around solar geoengineering

[Geoengineering News]

https://journals.plos.org/climate/article?id=10.1371/journal.pclm.0000869

Authors: Ina Möller, Danielle N. Young

01 April 2026

Abstract

In an increasingly aggressive international political environment, solar geoengineering needs to be reconceptualized – not only as a response to climate change, but as an instrument of power. This conceptualization means going beyond focusing on cooperative scenarios in which the technology is used to effectively reduce temperature rise while minimizing potential side effects. As scholars of international relations, we see a need for more interdisciplinary engagement with solar geoengineering scenarios that explicitly feature political conflict and competition. By anticipating and exploring these, we can better contribute to informing governance arrangements that might be able to prevent situations that undermine international political stability and efforts to address climate change.

Source: PLOS Climate