Geoengineering has become a buzzword in some entrepreneur circles as an exciting and large-scale way to tackle climate change, however for many it remains a nebulous concept full of uncertainties. A recent article in the ISEP publication Transform [1] explored the current state of this technology and what, if any, advantages it could contribute to the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C warming target.
How it Works
Geoengineering is intentional intervention in the Earth’s climate system on a large scale. It is risky, with many uncertainties, and was thought to be confined to the realms of fantasy until recent decades. The methods that have received most research and are considered feasible fall into the solar radiation modification (SRM) category. These would attempt to reflect solar radiation away from Earth to cool the planet, using techniques such as stratospheric aerosol injection (SAI), where particles (possibly sulphates) are injected into the stratosphere.
Cautionary Voices
Even as one of the most feasible options, SAI has many unknowns and is considered too risky for current deployment. The voices raising concerns have a range of reasonings, and represent an impressive selection of experts and professionals: CEIL consider geoengineering a ‘speculative’ and risky technology, the IPCC warn that the technology can never be a main policy for CO2 reductions, and the UN Human rights Council’s advisory committee note that it will have disproportionate global effects that are likely to favour the Global North. The Royal Society and UNEP’s Chief Scientist have also added words of caution to the discussion, stating that the technology cannot ‘fix’ climate change, and The Antarctic Survey have published a paper [2] expressing concern over proposed polar region deployments.
The social aspect is a particularly important one, if SAI is confined to certain regions, others may find themselves facing disasters such as drought or hurricanes. Therefore, equity would need global commitment into the future, something that has little surety from past endeavours.
Next steps
The overwhelming message from governing and scientific bodies remains that geoengineering should be a tool of last resort, deployed only when its harm may be less than that already predicted. In the meantime, every effort should be made to engage with proven solutions. Reduction of emissions remains critical in the fight against climate change and SHIFT Environment have knowledge and tools at their disposal to help clients with property portfolios. Contact us on [email protected] to find out more.
[1] https://www.isepglobal.org/engage/transform/features/is-geoengineering-science-fiction/
[2] https://www.bas.ac.uk/media/beyondtheice/why-is-everyone-talking-about-geoengineering/
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