London War Games Reveal Risks in Solar Geoengineering Governance
A geopolitical simulation held in London in September demonstrated that coordinated efforts to manage solar dimming technologies face significant barriers, contrary to expectations of simple ethical consensus. The event, titled "Exploring Geopolitical Tipping Points and Climate Cooling Strategies," convened a group of experts to model the potential for an uncontrolled race to develop climate cooling methods that carry vast, unknown risks. Colleen Golja, a climate researcher who participated in the exercise, stated that she initially believed agreeing on ethical research standards would be straightforward. She told WIRED that the reality of the simulation proved otherwise, challenging the assumption that science and reason would automatically guide planetary decisions. The workshop took place at Queen Mary University of London, bringing together a couple dozen foreign-relations experts, scientists, military personnel, and former government officials from various countries. Participants were assigned roles representing national governments, climate NGOs and nonprofits, indigenous groups, and tech companies. They sat in a square arrangement to simulate interactions between these distinct entities. Golja was tasked with providing technical advice to assist participants in making scientifically literate decisions during the scenario. The exercise aimed to identify tipping points in global climate strategy before they occur in reality.
A geopolitical simulation held in London in September demonstrated that coordinated efforts to manage solar dimming technologies face significant barriers, contrary to expectations of simple ethical consensus. The event, titled "Exploring Geopolitical Tipping Points and Climate Cooling Strategies," convened a group of experts to model the potential for an uncontrolled race to develop climate cooling methods that carry vast, unknown risks. Colleen Golja, a climate researcher who participated in the exercise, stated that she initially believed agreeing on ethical research standards would be straightforward. She told WIRED that the reality of the simulation proved otherwise, challenging the assumption that science and reason would automatically guide planetary decisions. The workshop took place at Queen Mary University of London, bringing together a couple dozen foreign-relations experts, scientists, military personnel, and former government officials from various countries. Participants were assigned roles representing national governments, climate NGOs and nonprofits, indigenous groups, and tech companies. They sat in a square arrangement to simulate interactions between these distinct entities. Golja was tasked with providing technical advice to assist participants in making scientifically literate decisions during the scenario. The exercise aimed to identify tipping points in global climate strategy before they occur in reality.