Summary/Abstract
In this research project for the German Federal Environment Agency, Ecologic Institute develops specific proposals for the governance of the main currently discussed geoengineering concepts at the international level. Based on a comprehensive analysis of the existing regulatory framework and its gaps, the study identifies general options and specific recommended actions for the effective governance of geoengineering. A key consideration is that the recommendations can be implemented in practice. First, the study explores whether and to what extent it is useful and feasible to have a single definition of geoengineering for governance purposes. It then analyses the existing governance of geoengineering in international law, with a brief overview of EU and German law. On this basis, it develops specific regulatory options and proposals. We analyse why governance of geoengineering should be pursued and develop specific proposals how such governance should be designed. We first make explicit the objectives and functions that governance of geoenginering is to fulfil. The geoengineering debate for the most part has not addressed this issue. Second, we derive core elements of appropriate governance design from these objectives and criteria. Third, we assess which geoengineering techniques require international governance on the basis of the objectives and criteria. Fourth, we identify governance gaps where the existing international framework does not correspond to our proposed core governance elements. Fifth, we make proposals to fill the governance gaps.