C2GTalk: How might solar radiation modification be put on the international governance agenda? with Marc Vanheukelen 

Nov 29, 2021

It is important to reflect internationally on climate-altering approaches such as solar radiation modification, in case the world is not capable of meeting the mitigation challenge, says Marc Vanheukelen, the European External Action Service's ambassador at large for climate diplomacy, during a "C2GTalk" interview. But these approaches should not become an "alibi for inaction."

This interview was recorded on May 25, 2021, and is available with interpretation into 中文, Español, and Français.

It is important to reflect internationally on climate-altering approaches such as Solar Radiation Modification, in case the world is not capable of meeting the mitigation challenge, says Marc Vanheukelen the European External Action Service’s ambassador at large for climate diplomacy during a C2GTalk interview. But these approaches should not become an "alibi for inaction."

International governance will be needed, but strategically it is best not to move too quickly, but rather first familiarize smaller groups with these ideas, at the expert level, and then to start moving these ideas gradually up the policy ladder as discussions gain traction.

Marc Vanheukelen is "hors classe" adviser and ambassador at large for climate diplomacy at the EU’s External Action Service. From 2015 till 2019 he was the EU ambassador to the World Trade Organisation in Geneva. Prior to his ambassadorial posting, Vanheukelen was director in DG TRADE (European Commission) responsible for sustainable development, economic partnership agreements, and agri-food and fisheries, preceded by his role as head of cabinet for former EU Trade Commissioner Karel de Gucht. He has also served as head of cabinet to the former Belgian minister for foreign affairs.

For more, including an edited transcript, please go to C2G's website.

You may also like

DEC 9, 2021 Podcast

Ethics, Governance, and Emerging Technologies: A Conversation with the Carnegie Climate Governance Initiative (C2G) and Artificial Intelligence & Equality Initiative (AIEI)

Emerging technologies with global impact are creating new ungoverned spaces at a rapid pace. The leaders of Carnegie Council's C2G and AIEI initiatives discuss ...

NOV 8, 2021 Podcast

C2GTalk: How is the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) working with countries to attain Carbon Neutrality in the ECE region? with Olga Algayerova

Many countries in the ECE region are embracing carbon neutrality recognized as the first milestone towards sustainable energy, with leaders like Canada, Denmark, France, and ...

OCT 18, 2021 Podcast

C2GTalk: How can multilateral processes shape the governance of climate-altering approaches? with Franz Perrez

Addressing the global challenge of governing climate-altering approaches through multilateralism is not just possible but necessary, says Ambassador Franz Perrez during a "C2GTalk" interview. ...