Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Geo-engineering and the Environment

23 June 2025 · 5 other contributors · 5,325 words

Opened by Roz Savage Lib Dem South Cotswolds

Responding minister: Kerry McCarthy

ClimateEnvironment

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Roz Savage raised concerns about geo-engineering and the environment in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • The petition gathered over 159,000 signatures by 12 June 2025.
  • Dr Savage expressed concerns about the risks of solar radiation management, including potential disruption of monsoons and triggering of extreme weather events.
  • Dr Savage called for a focus on reducing fossil fuel use and restoring nature instead of relying on geo-engineering solutions like SRM or CDR.

Key requests to Government

Dr Savage argued for focusing on reducing fossil fuel use, restoring nature, and considering behaviour change rather than relying on geo-engineering solutions like SRM or carbon dioxide removal (CDR) that have significant risks.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Roz Savage Lib Dem South Cotswolds

The petition had gathered more than 159,000 signatures as of 12 June 2025. Dr Savage expressed concerns about the risks associated with solar radiation management (SRM), including unintended consequences like disrupting monsoons or triggering droughts and floods in different regions. She also highlighted potential violations of international environmental agreements such as the Montreal Protocol due to the chemicals used in SRM.

Other contributors (5)
  • Kerry McCarthy Lab

    Emphasised that reducing emissions is a priority, highlighting nature-based approaches such as afforestation and the creation of new national forests. Also discussed plans to expand habitats like wetlands and peat bogs.

  • Nick Timothy Con West Suffolk

    Agrees with the hon. Member for South Cotswolds on SRM being a reckless experiment, and opposes the giant solar and battery farms proposed by the Government.

  • Pippa Heylings LD South Cambridgeshire

    Discussed the impacts of recent heatwaves and climate change, highlighting the need for investment in renewables and clean energy to meet climate targets. Emphasized the importance of addressing residual emissions from heavy industries.

  • Unidentified MP

    Expressed reassurance over the Government's lack of plans to deploy SRM and trust in ARIA’s work, emphasising transparency and accountability.

  • Unidentified Speaker

    Shared personal experience rowing solo across oceans to raise awareness about climate and nature issues, highlighting the importance of working with rather than against nature in addressing the climate emergency.

Government Response

Kerry McCarthy

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero

Reassures that there are no plans to fund experimentation with solar radiation modification, clarifies on chemtrails being condensation trails, and confirms the UK's position against SRM. Emphasises support for greenhouse gas removals as vital to achieving net zero.

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