MPs will debate a petition relating to geo-engineering and the environment
18 June 2025
On Monday 23 June, MPs will debate a petition relating to geo-engineering and the environment.
- Watch the debate (from 4.30pm, Monday 23 June)
- Read the debate transcript (available shortly after the conclusion of the debate).
- Follow the Committee on X, formerly Twitter
Dr Roz Savage MP, a member of the Petitions Committee, has been asked by the Committee to open the debate. MPs from all parties can take part, and the Government will send a minister to respond.
"Make all forms of 'geo-engineering' affecting the environment illegal"
The petition, which has received more than 159,000 signatures, stated: "We want all forms of geo-engineering to be illegal in the UK. We do not want any use of technologies to intervene in the Earth's natural systems."
In its response to the petition, provided on 21 May 2025, the Government said: "Greenhouse Gas Removals are important for achieving net zero emissions. The Government is not in favour of using Solar Radiation Modification and has no plans for deployment."
What are petitions debates?
Petitions debates are 'general' debates which allow MPs from all parties to discuss the important issues raised by one or more petitions, and put their concerns to Government Ministers.
Petition debates don’t end with a vote to implement the request of a petition. This means MPs will not vote on the request of the petitions at the end of the debate. Instead, the aim is to give MPs an opportunity to discuss the issues raised by a petition, and get a response from the Government.
Petition debates are scheduled by the Petitions Committee. Only e-petitions started on the Parliament petitions site are considered by the Petitions Committee.
Further information
Image: Parliamentary copyright