Geoengineering: An Idea Whose Time Has Come?

Abstract

Some engineers and scientists recently have suggested that it would be prudent to consider engaging in geoengineering to mitigate global warming. Geoengineering differs from other methods for mitigating global warming because it involves a deliberate effort to affect the climate at a global scale. Although geoengineering is not a new idea, it has taken on added significance as a result of difficulties with implementing other proposals to mitigate climate change. While proponents of geoengineering admit that it can have significant risks for the environment and public health, many maintain that it is worth pursuing, given the failure of other means of mitigating global warming. Some environmental groups have voiced strong opposition to all forms of geoengineering. In this article, we examine arguments for and against geoengineering and discuss some policy options. We argue that specific geoengineering proposals should not be implemented until there is good evidence concerning their safety, efficacy, and feasibility, as well as a plan for oversight. International cooperation and public input should also be sought. Other methods for mitigating global warming should be aggressively pursued while geoengineering is under consideration. The promise of an engineering solution to global warming should not be used as an excuse to abandon or cut back current, climate mitigation efforts.

Transcending the Learned Ignorance of Predatory Ontologies: A Research Agenda for an Ecofeminist-Informed Ecological Economics

“…For instance, while considering in vitro meat or computer software, ecofeminism is simultaneously able to problematize apolitical solution narratives of science-technology while recognizing the benefits and potential to human well-being and environmental sustainability [79,80]. The hubris of geosystems engineering or spraying sulphate aerosols into the atmosphere to reverse climate change might be excessive and risky [97][98][99][100] but technologies are nearly unavoidable in contemporary everyday life. Technology is ubiquitous in industries ranging from health care and finance, to manufacturing and food processing.…”