Legitimacy and procedural justice: how might stratospheric aerosol injection function in the public interest?

The success of stratospheric aerosol injection (SAI) in limiting global heating hinges on incorporating and upholding the political ideals of legitimacy and procedural justice. The article explores how these ideals, encompassing openness, inclusivity, and independence, are crucial for SAI's development and operation in the public interest, minimizing climate-related harm and avoiding capture by vested interests. It outlines criteria and standards for legitimacy and procedural justice, proposing governance options to ensure SAI serves societal well-being. Two recommendations—continuous checking/calibration and continuous contextualization/operationalization of standards—are offered to maintain legitimacy and procedural justice over time.

Marco Grasso