top of page

AXIOS: Hacking the planet may be closer than you think

A world hurtling toward a frighteningly hot future is driving interest in geoengineering — unproven, controversial technologies with a sci-fi flavor that could temporarily freeze global warming in its tracks but not solve the underlying problem.


By Andrew Freedman, Dec 10th 2022

Illustration: Gabriella Turrisi/Axios


A world hurtling toward a frighteningly hot future is driving interest in geoengineering — unproven, controversial technologies with a sci-fi flavor that could temporarily freeze global warming in its tracks but not solve the underlying problem.


Why it matters: Ethical, geopolitical and practical considerations must be wrestled with regarding solar radiation management, or SRM — the most discussed and researched method of geoengineering.


State of play: Geoengineering, which refers to deliberate interference with the climate to try to counteract global warming impacts, may be the ultimate climate tech Band-Aid capable of temporarily covering up global warming.

  • But it remains controversial because of geopolitical worries, climate justice and equity concerns, long-term climate change risks, and other considerations.

  • Plus, SRM, which involves injecting tiny particles known as sulfate aerosols into the upper atmosphere to reflect incoming solar radiation, would also only mask global warming due to the burning of fossil fuels.

  • Only steep emissions cuts and, ultimately, carbon removal can bring global warming in check.


Comments


bottom of page