Summary/Abstract
As geoengineering research progresses, field experiments with transboundary effects will become a reality. Currently, no single instrument or oversight body exists to govern all potential geoengineering research with international effects. This paper will address this issue with a focus on ethical analysis and informed consent. Part I will provide a background of geoengineering research, discussing the differences between research and deployment and the risks associated with research. Part II surveys current international governance of geoengineering research. Governance gaps in the current international system allow research projects stemming from a small number of decision-makers to affect a large number of people. Part III proposes a foundation, form, and forum for geoengineering research governance. This paper suggests that an existing international governance body establish research protocols and facilitate governance via a top-down approach.