Geoengineering methods involve large-scale intervention in the atmosphere, oceans, or land to alter the climate system. While some experts argue that geoengineering may be a last resort to avoid the worst effects of global warming, others warn that it could have unpredictable and potentially harmful side effects.

Projects of scientists

One example of geoengineering is increasing ocean alkalinity, which aims to increase the ocean’s ability to absorb carbon dioxide from the air and reduce ocean acidification that threatens marine life. Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) project in Massachusetts at cost 10 million dollars It plans to test the technology this summer by dumping thousands of gallons of alkaline liquid solution into the sea near Martha’s Vineyard.

Another example is solar radiation management, which involves injecting small particles into the upper atmosphere to reflect some of the sun’s rays back into space and cool the planet. Project cost $15 million The company, led by Israeli startup Stardust Solutions, plans to test this method outdoors this year.

A third example is marine cloud lighting, which aims to increase the reflectance of clouds over the ocean by spraying seawater droplets into the air. A project in Australia hopes to use this method to protect the Great Barrier Reef from coral bleaching caused by rising water temperatures.

Possible problems

Some of the potential disadvantages of geoengineering include regional inequalities, geopolitical conflicts, environmental damage, and moral hazard. For example, managing solar radiation can change rainfall patterns and affect agriculture and water resources in different parts of the world. Increased ocean alkalinity can affect marine ecosystems and biodiversity. Explaining marine clouds can change weather and climate in unpredictable ways.

Moreover, geoengineering can create a false sense of security and comfort among politicians and the public, undermining the urgency and need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change. Some critics also argue that geoengineering is a form of techno-utopianism that ignores the root causes of the climate crisis, such as overconsumption, inequality, and injustice.

Therefore, geoengineering should not be viewed as a panacea or an alternative for climate change mitigation and adaptation; Rather, it should be viewed as a potential supplemental or emergency measure that requires careful research, regulation, and oversight. As the world faces the crisis phase of climate change, geoengineering brings both opportunities and challenges for the future of humanity.