A diplomatic simulation brought together governments and scientists from Latin America and the Caribbean to practice understanding the complexity of negotiations on emerging technologies.
From October 16 to 17, 2025, the IDEAM in Bogotá hosted the “Multilateral Simulation Workshop on the Governance of Solar Radiation Modification” (SRM), closing the regional series “From Science to Decision-Making” organized by The Degrees Initiative and The Alliance for Just Deliberation on Solar Geoengineering. The event brought together government representatives and researchers from Latin America and the Caribbean.
A simulation in climate diplomacy
The exercise was divided into two parts. First, a preparatory regional consultation in which countries put forward their priorities, reservations, and red lines regarding MRS. This was followed by a simulated plenary negotiation on a fictitious draft resolution, with a scientific advisory panel available to clarify technical questions and vet statements. The goal was not to seal an agreement, but to build capacity: reading the science under uncertainty, understanding institutional frameworks, and navigating ethical and equity tensions.
Take-aways for participants
- Greater understanding of the available evidence and the ethical and political dilemmas involved in governing the MRS.
- Realistic practice in negotiation skills, consensus building, and handling blockages in multilateral forums.
- Strengthened bridges between the scientific community and public decision-makers in the region.
- Coordination pathways to participate more effectively in national and international debates on climate intervention technologies.
The workshop served as a training space, allowing teams to experience the clash between political timelines and the pace of evidence and to explore how to incorporate criteria of justice and access into any future discussion on research, testing, or possible deployment of SRM.
The IAI does not promote the use of these technologies but rather aims to provide its member countries with scientific information to facilitate better decision-making. The goal is to ensure the region is well prepared to engage in rigorous and fair deliberations when solar geoengineering moves beyond academic publications and becomes a topic on the diplomatic agenda.
