Dear Ms Paul,

Thank you for your email of 26 September, on behalf of a number of signatories, which arrived during a particularly busy few days for all the senior team at the University of Edinburgh. I am responding on behalf of the Principal.

As your letter notes, the SPICE project is primarily a test of the engineering feasibility of an aerial delivery system and is not of itself a test of the effect of particulates in reducing solar gain. The role of the University of Edinburgh in this project is to undertake climate modelling studies in order to better understand the possible impacts of geo-engineering.

I agree that the primary approach to minimise climate warming and associated environmental impacts, such as those related to ocean acidification, is to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. Neither my colleagues engaged in the experiment nor I believe that SPICE is a replacement strategy. If these preliminary tests of the engineering approach are successful, this will be part way towards developing an additional tool to help mitigate warming, which may or may not be usable. We need to explore a number of approaches if we are to bring climate warming under control. As the NERC website description of the SPICE project makes clear, there is a number of experimental and consultative projects planned, which will look at the feasibility of a geoengineering approach.

I note that the EPSRC has delayed the start of the experimental part of the SPICE project in order to consult further with stakeholders. I trust that this meets your needs and that you agree that societal decisions about approaches to addressing the serious issue of global warming and associated environmental concerns should be based on the scientific evidence, such as the SPICE project is intended to provide.

Yours sincerely,

Nigel Brown

Professor Nigel L Brown FRSE FRSC FSB
Senior Vice-Principal
Planning, Resources and Research Policy
The University of Edinburgh