Systemic risks and solar climate engineering research. Integrating technology ethics into the governance of systemic risks

Systemic risks and solar climate engineering research. Integrating technology ethics into the governance of systemic risks

Hofbauer, B. (TU Delft Ethics & Philosophy of Technology)

2023

The paper explores how the framework of systemic risks can help govern the risks imposed through solar climate engineering research. The central argument is that a systemic perspective of risk is a useful tool for analysing and assessing the risks imposed through Stratospheric Aerosol Injection (SAI) research. SAI is a form of climate engineering that could cool the planet by enhancing its albedo through the injection of aerosols into the stratosphere. Researching such a technology creates systemic risks with a strong sociotechnical component. This component consists of the potential societal harm that a developing or new technology might cause to existing norms, values, institutions, and politics. The systemic risk framework is a valuable heuristic for this case, given the complex interdependencies of societal systems, infrastructures, markets, etc. At the same time, the systemic risk framework can be enhanced through the inclusion of a more robust and reflected ethical considerations on technological risks. Consequently, this article seeks to supplement the systemic risk governance framework with insights from technology ethics. Specifically, the paper offers an ethically reflective conception of societal value dynamism and stakeholder engagement and participation, tying it to existing systemic risk governance approaches.

ethics of technology
participation
risk governance
solar climate engineering
Systemic risk
values

http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:49d3ba17-8623-429e-9efa-edc1aa090074

https://doi.org/10.1080/13669877.2023.2288010

1366-9877

Journal of Risk Research, 26 (12), 1383-1395

Institutional Repository

journal article

© 2023 B. Hofbauer