Geoengineering, also known as climate engineering, refers to deliberate planetary-scale interventions designed to counteract climate change. Most geoengineering technologies merely reduce the effects of climate change temporarily, as these technologies are unable to alleviate all the negative effects caused by climate change.
There are two different types of geoengineering, each category containing a large variety of proposed techniques.
Solar Radiation Management (SRM)
The goal of SRM technologies is to reflect or block a percentage of the sun’s radiation. The decreased amount of incoming radiation would help to cool the planet, offsetting the warming effects caused by increasing greenhouse emissions.
- Injection of stratospheric aerosols: the spray of extremely small reflective particles into the upper stratosphere, decreasing incoming radiation.
- Cloud brightening: spraying seawater onto stratus and cumulus clouds, increasing reflectivity.
- Space-located reflectors: implementation of reflectors located in space to reflect solar rays directly at the source, combating rising planetary temperatures.
Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR)
The goal of CDR technologies is to remove carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere. CDR technologies, both biological and technological, have the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by mitigating climate change. These methods would need to be implemented on a planetary scale to have a large effect on the reduction of greenhouse gasses.
- Afforestation/reforestation: consists of planting new trees and expanding forests, harnessing the natural capability of plant life to remove CO2 through the power of photosynthesis.
- Ocean fertilization: the addition of nutrients to our oceans to encourage the growth of phytoplankton, naturally removing CO2 through photosynthesis.
- Air Capture Theory: utilizing machines or chemical processes designed to capture CO2 and remove it from the atmosphere, most likely to be stored underground.
- Weathering enhancements: acceleration of natural weathering processes by increasing the exposure of rocks and minerals that react with carbon, storing the resulting carbonates in soil.
The effects of climate engineering are, in theory, extremely promising. However, while geoengineering may reduce the effects of climate change the planet is currently experiencing, the risks relating to geoengineering are unknown. Planetary-scale interventions designed to counteract climate change may have dire consequences for the environment.
Many geoengineering technologies are designed to slow down the effects of climate change and will not solve the root of the cause. Because of this, many scientists and policymakers are advocating for an extremely cautious progression of geoengineering technologies.
President Joe Biden signed the “Consolidated Appropriations Act” on March 15 providing full-year funding for projects supported by the Federal Government.
The bill approved $120 million for climate infrastructure programs spearheaded by the U.S. Department of Defense, $200 million for climate research spearheaded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and $78.3 million to address the impacts of climate change through research spearheaded by the Department of Agriculture.
At this time, no planetary-scale geoengineering projects have been approved. However, these projects are in current development. Implemented in March 2022 by President Biden, a cross-agency group consisting of representatives from 10 research and mission agencies has outlined a five-year plan relating to climate engineering. Other Included research and mission agencies are the NOAA, NASA, and the Department of Energy.
Although there are clear advantages to geoengineering, there are many disadvantages, not all of which are known. It is possible that geoengineering, specifically SRM techniques, could alter current precipitation patterns. The result would be flooding and drought, both extremely dire circumstances for agriculture.
Junior Communication major Kassidee Wozniak expressed concerns relating to the possible implementation of climate engineering technology. She referred to the root of the problem, stating that “the huge carbon footprint caused by humans is why there are more efforts to reduce our own doing.”
The environmental and ecological impacts of geoengineering techniques would influence the world’s quality of air, water, agriculture, and animal life. These influences are moral hazards that scientists and policymakers consider.
Wozniak, like many others, is concerned that the approval of geoengineering technologies may diminish the beauty of the Earth. Wozniak stated, “to compromise for how destructive the human impact has been on Earth, plans for Mars need to come sooner rather than later.” She hopes that as environmental scientists continue to fight climate change, they prioritize protecting our ecosystems, marine, plant, and animal life.
Cleia Stern
Cleia Stern is a first-year pursuing an undergraduate in Exploratory Studies. She is a staff writer for the Eagle Eye. Cleia holds the 2022 GOODE Waterski National Overall Champion title, as well as multiple regional and state titles. Cleia’s passions include water-skiing, tennis, and weightlifting. Aside from her athletic achievements, Cleia hopes to pursue writing into the professional setting with dreams of publishing a collection of poems.
