As climate change intensifies, scientists are exploring geo-engineering as a potential solution, but the approach raises both hope and serious concerns.
Simon King reports for the BBC.
In short:
- Geo-engineering aims to cool the planet by manipulating the climate, but experts warn it could disrupt weather patterns and divert attention from reducing carbon emissions.
- Techniques like marine cloud brightening and stratospheric aerosol injection show promise but also pose risks, such as exacerbating droughts and altering global weather.
- Conspiracy theories around geo-engineering are on the rise, complicating scientific research and public acceptance.
Key quote:
“The regional impacts are very much unknown. We may be able to mitigate global average temperature [rise], but we may actually make things worse in certain regions of the world."
— Professor Liz Bentley, chief executive of the Royal Meteorological Society
Why this matters:
Whether geo-engineering is our ticket to a cooler planet or Pandora’s box, it’s a conversation that’s heating up fast. Is it better to take a risky shot at cooling the planet or stick to traditional methods like cutting emissions and hoping for the best? Read more: Opponents of geoengineering misunderstand humanity’s choices.
