Geoengineering: The New Frontier of Climate Policy Making?
Type of Session
Full Presentation Panel
Abstract
With the release of two massive reports in February, the National Research Council of the National Academy of Science has added its voice to the growing call for research into climate geoengineering strategies, defined as "options that would involve large-scale engineering of our environment in order to combat or counteract the effects of changes in atmospheric chemistry." Such approaches include injection of huge quantities of sulfur dioxide into the stratosphere, or spraying of sea water in martime clouds to deflect incoming solar radiation back to space, as well as strategies to sequester carbon dioxide, e.g. by dispersing iron in the oceans to stimulate phytoplankton production. While these technologies could substantially reduce projected temperature increases, many also pose serious threats to ecosystems and human institutions. The purpose of this panel will be to assess the current status of climate geoengineering, including the role of NGOs in the policy debate, the role of risk assessment and implications for future generations.
Primary Contact
Dr. Wil Burns, Ph.D., Forum for Climate Engineering Assessment
Presenters
Dr. Mark Trexler, The Climatographers
E-mail address (preferred) or phone number
Title of paper
Geoengineering: Risk or Risk Management? Depends on Your Baseline
Professor Simon Nicholson, American University
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Title of paper
Why the Silence? Environmental NGOs, SRM, and Implications for Climate Politics
Dr. Wil Burns, Forum for Climate Engineering Assessment
E-mail address (preferred) or phone number
Title of paper
Climate Geoengineering and Considerations of Intergenerational Equity
Michael Thompson, Forum for Climate Engineering Assessment
E-mail address (preferred) or phone number
Title of paper
Why the Silence? Environmental NGOs, SRM, and Implications for Climate Politics
Rachael Somerville, American University
E-mail address (preferred) or phone number
Title of paper
Why the Silence? Environmental NGOs, SRM, and Implications for Climate Politics