Geo-engineering to Counter Global Warming: Good Intentions, Risky Business

Much ink has been spent on describing the negative effects that could arise from global warming: resource scarcity, anomalous weather patterns, social and economic instability, among others. Wired reminds us that while a great deal of discussion currently focuses on reducing worldwide dependency on fossil fuels as a way to curb greenhouse emissions, some engineers would rather take a more proactive approach. These individuals point out that man-made pollution contributing to rising temperatures is unlikely to decrease for many decades even if the whole planet were able to rid itself of its addiction to fossil fuels today. Taking things into one’s own hands to protect the world against global warming, these pundits argue, requires active geo-engineering.
What would such geo-engineering projects entail? One proposed project is for iron seeding: feeding iron to carbon-fixing algae in the oceans, boosting their numbers and allowing them to trap greenhouse gases. Another proposal encourages pumping sulfur emissions into the air in order to cool down the atmosphere. The possibilities advanced by geo-engineering pioneers are numerous. However, many critics are now pointing to the significant risks posed by experimental endeavors in what remains an unregulated arena, ranging from destructive effects on agriculture to exacerbated world temperature increases. Another source of concern is regarding differential effects, as the planet’s response to geo-engineering tweaking may favor some regions to the detriment of others - the same way that inequities arise from climate change in general. Even the minds proposing these geo-engineering feats admit that success is uncertain. Is what required increased regulation, such as through a call for international legislation? There is currently only one international treaty applicable to the area of climate geo-engineering. It is worth following the evolution of this debate, as trade-offs will have to be carefully considered in the fight against global warming. Read the full story here.