Learning from Weather Modification Law for the Governance of Regional Solar Radiation Management

verfasst von: Manon Simon

Verlag: Springer Nature Singapore

Enthalten in: Springer Professional "Wirtschaft+Technik" , Springer Professional "Technik"

Einloggen, um Zugang zu erhalten

Über dieses Buch

This book investigates the role of cloud seeding laws in governing regional solar radiation management (SRM) activities. It challenges the prevailing belief that cloud seeding laws are irrelevant to regional SRM governance and argues for their applicability. Through case studies in Australia, Canada, and the United States, the book highlights the need for legal frameworks that promote cross-scale interactions, stakeholder participation, flexible decision-making, and conflict resolution. It advocates for adopting adaptive governance principles to effectively manage the risks and uncertainties associated with regional SRM interventions. By filling a gap in the existing literature, this book offers valuable insights and recommendations for the governance of regional SRM, shedding light on the potential of cloud seeding laws to inform and shape SRM governance frameworks. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the legal and normative aspects, offering practical guidance for policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders involved in regional SRM initiatives.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Frontmatter

Chapter 1. Introduction

Abstract

The Introduction provides the rationale for the book. The ongoing failures of the international climate regime have spurred attention in solar radiation management (SRM) to counteract global warming. These emerging technologies carry risks, however, and will require the development of appropriate governance frameworks. Cloud seeding is an established technology that provides a useful analogue for SRM governance, but the relevance of cloud seeding law for regional SRM governance has been unduly overlooked. Using adaptive governance, the assessment of cloud seeding domestic laws can provide lessons for regional SRM governance.

Manon Simon

Chapter 2. The Governance Challenges of Regional SRM and Cloud Seeding

Abstract

This chapter introduces the different technologies addressed in the book. The first part presents regional solar radiation management (SRM) and provides an overview of the governance challenges associated with regional SRM research, development, and deployment. The second part presents two cloud seeding techniques—precipitation enhancement and hail suppression—and gives an overview of the legal issues raised by the development of these techniques. Building upon existing literature, the last part shows that the growing interest in regional SRM points out the need to further analyse the applicability of cloud seeding governance to regional SRM.

Manon Simon

Chapter 3. Material Resemblances Between Cloud Seeding and Regional Solar Radiation Management

Abstract

This chapter examines the extent to which cloud seeding and regional SRM share material resemblances by evaluating four core attributes: intervention, intent, purpose, and scale. It concludes that cloud seeding and regional SRM techniques bear sufficient similarities to further a legal analogy.

Manon Simon

Chapter 4. Adaptive Governance as a Normative and Analytical Framework

Abstract

This chapter introduces adaptive governance as a normative and analytical framework to evaluate the legal implications of an analogy between cloud seeding and regional SRM governance. It identifies four legal functions that are key to the emergence of adaptive governance: (1) multiscale institutional arrangements, (2) participatory decision-making, (3) iterative learning processes, and (4) conflict management mechanisms. This chapter concludes that an adaptive governance framework can be applied to the implementation of a cloud seeding program, with a view to informing the governance of regional SRM.

Manon Simon

Chapter 5. Domestic Cloud Seeding Law and Governance

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview of cloud seeding governance in five subnational jurisdictions (states or provinces) that have been active users of cloud seeding technologies: Tasmania and New South Wales (Australia), Alberta (Canada), and California and Texas (USA). A detailed account of how domestic cloud seeding activities are governed in practice identifies similarities and differences in governance approaches across these subnational jurisdictions. This chapter concludes that these arrangements provide lessons for the governance of regional SRM.

Manon Simon

Chapter 6. Multiscale Institutional Arrangements

Abstract

This chapter considers the extent to which cloud seeding governance frameworks attend to the potential for impacts across multiple scales. An examination of multiscale institutional arrangements in Australia, Canada, and the United States shows that cloud seeding laws do not attend to the risks of cross-jurisdictional impacts (interstate and transboundary). If these laws are used as a starting point for regional SRM, greater collaboration between institutions at multiple scales will be needed to govern associated risks. In the event where regional SRM is scaled up, higher level of governments will need to be involved in the assessment and control of programs.

Manon Simon

Chapter 7. Participatory Decision-Making

Abstract

This chapter examines the mechanisms for participatory decision-making in cloud seeding governance. With the exception of one jurisdiction, cloud seeding laws largely fail to facilitate stakeholder collaboration and public participation. It argues that it will be important to overcome these insufficiencies to improve the transparency and legitimacy of regional SRM governance.

Manon Simon

Chapter 8. Iterative Learning Processes

Abstract

Investigation of whether current laws display mechanisms for iterative learning in cloud seeding programs shows that only one jurisdiction facilitates environmental monitoring and provides flexible and responsive mechanisms that create room for revision. Other jurisdictions could learn from this experience and improve current frameworks with a view to applying these mechanisms to regional SRM.

Manon Simon

Chapter 9. Conflict Management Mechanisms

Abstract

This chapter examines the conflict management mechanisms needed to govern cloud seeding adaptively and investigates the current mechanisms in place to manage conflicts over cloud seeding in Australia, Canada, and the United States. It stresses the importance of preventing conflict and of providing avenues for resolution in cases where conflict arises. It also shows that, given cloud seeding uncertainties, laws have focused on conflict prevention and failed to develop clear conflict resolution rules and procedures. It concludes that, when developing conflict management for regional SRM, particular attention should be given to providing affected stakeholders with access to effective remedies.

Manon Simon

Chapter 10. Conclusion

Abstract

The Conclusion identifies lessons from the governance of cloud seeding, provides recommendations for the governance of regional-scale solar radiation management (SRM), and proposes legal mechanisms for the adaptive governance of both cloud seeding and regional SRM programs.

Manon Simon

Backmatter

Titel: Learning from Weather Modification Law for the Governance of Regional Solar Radiation Management
verfasst von: Manon Simon
Verlag: Springer Nature Singapore
Electronic ISBN: 978-981-9719-04-4
Print ISBN: 978-981-9719-03-7
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-97-1904-4