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Geo-engineering and the Environment
23 June 2025
Lead MP
Roz Savage
South Cotswolds
LD
Responding Minister
Kerry McCarthy
Tags
ImmigrationClimate
Word Count: 5325
Other Contributors: 5
At a Glance
Roz Savage raised concerns about geo-engineering and the environment in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
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:
Lead Contributor
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.
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.
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.
Expressed reassurance over the Government's lack of plans to deploy SRM and trust in ARIA’s work, emphasising transparency and accountability.
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
Government Response
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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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.