NITI Aayog, the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), and the Centre for Social and Economic Progress (CSEP) co-hosted a high-level workshop in New Delhi on August 28, 2025, titled “Indian and Global Perspectives on Geoengineering – Science, Governance and Risks.”

The event brought together senior policymakers, scientists, and global experts, including NITI Aayog CEO B. V. R. Subrahmanyam, Environment Secretary Tanmay Kumar, CEEW Founder-CEO Dr. Arunabha Ghosh, CSEP President Dr. Laveesh Bhandari, and Prof. David Keith from the University of Chicago.

Geoengineering—large-scale interventions to counter climate change—was the focus, with discussions on two approaches: Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) through methods such as biochar, enhanced rock weathering, ocean-based techniques, and geological storage; and Solar Radiation Management (SRM) via options like stratospheric aerosol injection or marine cloud brightening.

Speakers stressed the importance of risk assessment, robust monitoring, and governance frameworks to safeguard vulnerable communities and ensure storage integrity. They also underlined the need for India to proactively engage in research and global dialogues on climate-altering technologies, while keeping equity and climate justice at the core.

The workshop highlighted that while mitigation and adaptation remain priorities, India must strategically prepare for emerging technologies by evaluating their research potential, risks, and governance challenges.