Geoengineering: re-making climate for profit or humanitarian intervention?
Climate engineering, or geoengineering, refers to large-scale climate interventions to lower the earth's temperature, either by blocking incoming sunlight or removing carbon dioxide from the biosphere. Regarded as ‘technofixes’ by critics, these strategies have evoked concern that they would extend the shelf life of fossil-fuel driven socio-ecological systems for far longer than they otherwise would, or should, endure. A critical reading views geoengineering as a class project that is designed to keep the climate system stable enough for existing production systems to continue operating. This article first examines these concerns, and then goes on to envision a regime driven by humanitarian agendas and concern for vulnerable populations, implemented through international development and aid institutions. The motivations of those who fund research and implement geoengineering techniques are important, as the rationale for developing geoengineering strategies will determine which techniques are pursued, and hence which ecologies are produced. The logic that shapes the geoengineering research process could potentially influence social ecologies centuries from now.
University of Klagenfurt, Vienna.
Holly Jean
HJ
Buck
D002980:Climate; D057231:Climate Change / Q000191:economics / Q000266:history; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources / Q000191:economics / Q000266:history / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D004738:Engineering / Q000191:economics / Q000193:education / Q000266:history; D004782:Environmental Health / Q000191:economics / Q000193:education / Q000266:history; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000191:economics / Q000266:history / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D005843:Geography / Q000191:economics / Q000193:education / Q000266:history; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049674:History, 21st Century; D012106:Research / Q000191:economics / Q000193:education / Q000266:history