A resolution pushing for the adoption of solar radiation modification, or SRM, also known as solar geoengineering, as a technology to battle global warming and climate change was rejected this week at the sixth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly, or UNEA-6, held in Nairobi, Kenya.
SRM is a technology that would involve deploying aerosols into the stratosphere, aiming to cool the planet by reflecting sunlight back into space. Dubbed “a dangerous distraction in battling climate change” by some delegates, the rejection of the resolution — which would have created a U.N. expert group with a mandate from member states to assess the risks and opportunities of SRM — was hailed as a “breakthrough” by African activists.
Botswana, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Gabon, and Somalia rejected the resolution, proposed by Switzerland, ahead of a UNEA-6 heads of states high-level meeting on Feb. 29. It has now been withdrawn.
About the author
David Njagi
David Njagi is a Kenya-based Devex Contributing Reporter with over 12 years’ experience in the field of journalism. He graduated from the Technical University of Kenya with a diploma in journalism and public relations. He has reported for local and international media outlets, such as the BBC Future Planet, Reuters AlertNet, allAfrica.com, Inter Press Service, Science and Development Network, Mongabay Reporting Network, and Women’s Media Center.
