Geo‐engineering the climate: Buying time to decarbonize the world

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to look at two recently published studies from the UK that report on using geo‐engineering solutions

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines the geo‐engineering solutions suggested by the two publications: to remove CO₂ from the atmosphere, or reflect solar radiation back into space.

Findings

The paper finds that using geo‐engineering solutions to remove CO₂ from the atmosphere, or reflect solar radiation back into space, may well be needed in order help avoid dangerous temperature increases and climate change. The publications agree that certain solutions, ranging from artificial trees and algae covered buildings to fleets of sea salt spraying cloud ships are technically possible, could be effective and so need to be investigated further. However, both studies also emphasize that geo‐engineering is no silver bullet that can combat climate change in isolation. Moreover, it must not be seen as a diversion from efforts to reduce carbon emissions through mitigation. However, as reduction efforts to date have yet to deliver anything like what is needed, the studies state that geo‐engineering solutions of the type they propose should be further investigated, and those with merit invested in and used to buy the world time to decarbonize the global economy.

Originality/value

The two recently published studies from the UK provide useful information on geo‐engineering solutions to help avoid dangerous temperature increases and climate change.

Citation

(2010), "Geo‐engineering the climate: Buying time to decarbonize the world", Strategic Direction, Vol. 26 No. 1, pp. 35-38. https://doi.org/10.1108/02580541011009815