The Promises and Perils of Being an Honest Broker

By Whitney Peterson, Director of Strategy and Communications

The concept of the “honest broker” isn’t new, but it does present an increasingly challenging – and yet ever more important – role in today’s polarized and often sensationalized discourse on climate interventions. An honest broker seeks to clarify issues, present diverse perspectives, and facilitate informed decision-making, without pushing a particular agenda. 

In an era marked by escalating climate crises and a cacophony of competing solutions, DSG established a simple but profound mission: to provide a platform for forthright, balanced dialogue about solar geoengineering, without advocating for or against its deployment. We are committed to ensuring that discussions around this controversial and complex issue are guided by principles of transparency, equity, and inclusivity, centering voices from climate-vulnerable communities.

At DSG, we embrace this role wholeheartedly. But we also recognize that it presents both promises and perils: 

The Promises

1. Fostering Informed Public Discourse: By providing balanced and factual information, we can empower individuals and communities to engage meaningfully in the debate on solar geoengineering. This approach demystifies the science, helps stakeholders understand the potential benefits and risks, and supports informed public discourse.
2. Building Trust: In a world rife with misinformation and distrust, transparency is our guiding principle. We believe that by openly sharing our funding sources, methodologies, and intentions, we can build trust with the public and stakeholders. Trust is the foundation upon which constructive dialogue and consensus-building rest.
3. Ensuring Inclusivity and Justice: The impacts of climate change are not felt equally, and those on the front lines often have the least voice in decisions that affect them. We prioritize the inclusion of marginalized and climate-vulnerable communities in our deliberations – more on that in a bit. But we know their perspectives must be included for equitable decision-making and ensuring that any potential solar geoengineering interventions do not exacerbate existing inequalities.
4. Honoring Diverse Perspectives: We aim to respect and integrate a range of viewpoints, whether from those who support solar geoengineering or those who oppose it. This fosters a richer, more inclusive dialogue that captures the complexities and ethical considerations of solar geoengineering, ensuring that all voices are heard and contributing to more balanced and comprehensive decision-making.

The Perils

1. Encouraging Open Discussion While Avoiding Advocacy: Solar geoengineering is inherently controversial, with passionate arguments both for and against its use. As honest brokers, we walk a fine line between providing unbiased information and being perceived as taking a stance by simply talking about it. This balancing act can be perilous, as any perceived bias can undermine our credibility and alienate stakeholders.
2. Managing Uncertainty: The science and governance of solar geoengineering are fraught with uncertainties. Honest brokers must convey these uncertainties fairly and transparently, which can be challenging. Overstating confidence can mislead, while emphasizing uncertainty can paralyze decision-making. We strive to communicate these complexities clearly and responsibly.
3. Addressing Ethical Dilemmas: Solar geoengineering raises profound ethical questions, including issues of intergenerational justice, environmental risk, and global equity. As an honest broker, we must facilitate discussions that explore and highlight these dilemmas
4. Confronting the Larger Narrative: Sitting in a non-advocacy role between two strong sides of the solar geoengineering spectrum makes it far too easy for an external party to establish our narrative for us, both publicly and privately. This makes it all the more important to articulate, clarify, and refine our own stance and actions. 

Our Commitment to Transparency and Impartiality

Transparency and impartiality are the cornerstones of our work at DSG. We believe that openness in our processes, sources, and motivations is essential for earning trust and fostering genuine dialogue. That means we’ll be honest about the difficulties we encounter, because it’s just not easy to walk the line. 

1. Open Methodologies: We commit to using clear and transparent methodologies in all our research and deliberation processes. This includes openly sharing how we collect data, conduct analyses, and reach conclusions. By demystifying our methods, we make it easier for others to understand and trust our work.
2. Accessible Information: Information should be accessible to all, not just experts. We strive to present complex scientific and policy issues in ways that are understandable and relatable to diverse audiences. This includes creating materials in multiple languages, using clear and non-technical language, and employing various media formats to reach different audiences.
3. Engagement and Dialogue: We actively engage with a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including scientists, policymakers, community leaders, and the public. Our deliberation processes are designed to be inclusive and participatory, ensuring that all voices, particularly those from marginalized communities, are heard and valued. 

Providing balanced, unbiased information is crucial for fostering a comprehensive understanding of these complex dynamics among all stakeholders. This neutrality builds trust with policymakers, scientists, and the public, making DSG a credible and reliable source in the contentious debates surrounding SRM. In an era where misinformation can rapidly polarize discussions, DSG’s commitment to impartiality helps ensure that the discourse remains grounded in fact and open to diverse perspectives. Learn more about our mission and principles.

It’s critical that we differentiate between acting as an honest broker and being neutral on all aspects of the debate. DSG holds clear positions on what constitutes good and poor governance and communication practices, and it is important that we continue to build our opinions in these spaces. But our commitment to impartiality means providing unbiased, science-based information that allows individuals to form their own informed opinions. 

Additionally, impartial information is vital for fostering international cooperation in the realm of SRM. Solar geoengineering’s global impacts necessitate collaborative governance frameworks that transcend national boundaries. DSG’s unbiased stance facilitates the development of these frameworks by encouraging dialogue and cooperation among nations, especially between the Global North and South. This cooperation is essential to ensure that SRM governance is both effective and representative of the interests of all countries involved. Furthermore, providing clear, factual information empowers civil society organizations and the public to engage meaningfully in these discussions, enhancing democratic participation and accountability. This broad-based engagement is key to ensuring that SRM policies are developed through consensus and reflect a wide range of ethical and practical considerations.

The Path Forward

The landscape of solar geoengineering is constantly evolving. We commit to staying informed about the latest scientific, ethical, and policy developments and to adapting our strategies accordingly. This includes seeking feedback from stakeholders and continuously improving our processes. We recognize that no single organization can address the complexities of solar geoengineering alone. We are committed to building partnerships with a diverse array of stakeholders, including academic institutions, community organizations, and international bodies. These collaborations are essential for fostering a well-rounded and inclusive dialogue.

As discussions about solar geoengineering continue, we advocate for the development of robust, transparent, and inclusive governance frameworks. These frameworks must be designed to address the unique challenges posed by solar geoengineering, including issues of global equity, environmental risk, and ethical responsibility.

The promise of being an honest broker in the field of solar geoengineering is profound: to facilitate informed, balanced, and just deliberations that empower communities and foster trust. However, the peril is equally significant: navigating controversy, managing uncertainty, and addressing deep ethical dilemmas. At DSG, we embrace both aspects of this role. We are committed to transparency, equity, and inclusivity in all our work, ensuring that the voices of those most affected by climate change are at the forefront of the conversation.

Our journey is one of continuous learning and adaptation, guided by the principles of justice and fairness. As we move forward, we invite all stakeholders to join us in fostering a better dialogue on the potential role of solar geoengineering in addressing the climate crisis.

We invite feedback on this process as we move forth into our future. Navigating the complexities of solar geoengineering can be daunting, but we hope our work can help ensure that our collective decisions are grounded in knowledge, ethics, and a commitment to a just and sustainable future.