Introduction to Geoengineering.
                     Introduction to 
Geoengineering 
(Climate Engineering)
What is Geoengineering?
 Geoengineering is a broad term that covers 
various techniques that have been 
postulated, and in some cases tested, to 
change various aspects of the natural 
environment to stem anthropogenic climate.
Source: https://azocleantech.com
Minimizing the causes of climate change
 While altering the climate to better suit 
ourselves may be desirable, it is also 
controversial and many scientists 
believe it should only be employed as a 
final recourse. 
 These scientists choose instead to 
continue to focus on eradicating or at 
least minimizing the causes of 
anthropogenic climate change.
Source: https://azocleantech.com
Types of Geoengineering
 SOLAR RADIATION MANAGEMENT: SRM techniques 
attempt to reflect sunlight back into space, and include 
a range of ideas, from orbiting mirrors, tonnes of 
sulphates sprayed into the stratosphere, and 
modifying clouds, plants and ice to make them more 
reflect more sunlight.
 CARBON DIOXIDE REMOVAL: These proposals posit 
that it’s possible to suck carbon out of the atmosphere 
on a massive scale, using a combination of biological 
and mechanical methods, from seeding the ocean with 
iron pellets to create plankton blooms to creating 
forests of mechanical “artificial trees”.
 EARTH RADIATION MANAGEMENT: ERM proponents 
suggest that negative effects of climate change can be 
offset by allowing heat to escape into space.
Source: https://azocleantech.com
CHARACTERISTICS
 THEY DON’T REALLY EXIST: To date, the 
claims made about geoengineering 
techniques are purely based on speculation, 
and are – effectively by definition – not real 
technologies.
Source: https://azocleantech.com
ECOLOGICAL IMPACTS 
 ECOLOGICAL IMPACTS ARE HUGE: The 
sheer scale of many of these proposals 
would have massive negative and 
unpredictable impacts on the environment 
air, land and sea which would be 
disproportionately borne by the global south
Source: https://azocleantech.com
Key findings
 Geoengineering is not a magic bullet and not 
an alternative to emissions reductions. 
 Cutting global greenhouse gas emissions 
must remain our highest priority.
 But this is proving to be difficult, and 
geoengineering may be useful to support it.
Source: https://royalsocietypublishing.org
Key findings Cont.
 Much more research is needed, as well as 
public engagement and a system of 
regulation for both deployment and for 
possible large-scale field tests.
Source: https://royalsocietypublishing.org
Acceptability of geoengineering
 The acceptability of geoengineering will be 
determined as much by social, legal and 
political issues as by scientific and technical 
factors.
Source: https://royalsocietypublishing.org
Major uncertainties
 Geoengineering is very likely to be 
technically possible.
 However, there are major uncertainties 
and potential risks concerning 
effectiveness, costs and social and 
environmental impacts.
Source: https://royalsocietypublishing.org
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