ISLAMABAD, Aug 11 (APP):COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI) on Tuesday hosted an international workshop on “Dissemination of SRM Research Findings and Sensitization of Policymakers in Pakistan,” bringing together policymakers, government officials, researchers, academics, international partners and young researchers to promote informed dialogue on Solar Radiation Modification (SRM). The workshop held at a local hotel focused on the scientific uncertainties, potential risks, governance, ethical considerations and policy implications of SRM, particularly in …
CUI hosts international workshop on Solar Radiation Modification research, policy dialogue
ISLAMABAD, Aug 11 (APP):COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI) on Tuesday hosted an international workshop on “Dissemination of SRM Research Findings and Sensitization of Policymakers in Pakistan,” bringing together policymakers, government officials, researchers, academics, international partners and young researchers to promote informed dialogue on Solar Radiation Modification (SRM).
The workshop held at a local hotel focused on the scientific uncertainties, potential risks, governance, ethical considerations and policy implications of SRM, particularly in the context of Pakistan and the wider Global South.
Pakistan remains highly vulnerable to climate change, facing increasing risks from extreme temperatures, floods, droughts, changing rainfall patterns, water stress and their impacts on agriculture, public health, ecosystems and livelihoods.
The workshop highlighted the importance of strengthening national research capacity and promoting evidence-based understanding of emerging climate responses.
Organized by the Department of Meteorology, CUI, in collaboration with The Degrees Initiative, United Kingdom, the workshop aimed to strengthen scientific capacity, research collaboration and science-policy engagement on emerging climate intervention technologies.
Speaking on the occasion, CUI Rector Prof. Dr. Raheel Qamar, T.I., highlighted the university’s commitment to scientific excellence, interdisciplinary research and international collaboration.
He emphasized the need to strengthen Pakistan’s research capacity and ensure that the perspectives of Pakistan and other countries in the Global South are meaningfully represented in international discussions on climate research and governance.
Ms. Mowmita Basak Mow, Policy Engagement Manager (Asia & Pacific Islands), The Degrees Initiative, highlighted the organization’s contribution to research, capacity building and informed dialogue on SRM, particularly across the Global South.
Prof. Dr. Athar Hussain, Head of the Department of Meteorology and Principal Investigator of the project at CUI, underscored the importance of disseminating research findings and maintaining sustained engagement among researchers, policymakers and relevant national institutions.
The workshop examined the scientific, environmental, health, governance, ethical and policy dimensions of SRM, including potential climate responses, climate-related health risks, governance challenges and implications for vulnerable communities.
Participants also stressed the need for a multidisciplinary and nationally grounded research agenda involving climate science, public health, disaster risk management, agriculture, water resources, governance and social sciences.
The participation of national institutions, researchers and students provided a platform for knowledge exchange, capacity building and future research collaboration. Discussions emphasized the importance of credible science, transparent dialogue, responsible governance and sustained cooperation among academia, government, research organizations, development partners and international institutions.
The workshop also highlighted the need to ensure that the priorities and perspectives of vulnerable countries in the Global South are adequately reflected in international discussions on SRM research and governance.
CUI reaffirmed its commitment to advancing interdisciplinary and policy-relevant research and strengthening international collaboration to contribute to scientific innovation, responsible climate-cooling research, climate resilience and sustainable development in Pakistan and beyond
