Knowledge Agora

     Geoengineering refers to deliberate, large-scale interventions in the Earth's natural systems aimed at countering the effects of climate change. It encompasses two main approaches: solar radiation management (SRM) and carbon dioxide removal (CDR). SRM focuses on reflecting a portion of the sun’s energy back into space to reduce global temperatures, using methods like injecting aerosols into the stratosphere or increasing cloud reflectivity. However, SRM does not address the root cause of climate change—excess atmospheric carbon dioxide—and carries potential risks, such as changes to weather patterns, impacts on agriculture, and unpredictable ecological effects.
On the other hand, CDR aims to remove CO₂ from the atmosphere and includes methods like afforestation, soil carbon sequestration, bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS), and direct air capture. CDR is generally seen as less risky than SRM since it addresses the buildup of greenhouse gases directly and aligns more closely with natural processes. However, scaling up CDR to make a significant climate impact requires large areas of land, substantial financial investment, and energy input, especially for technologies like direct air capture.
While geoengineering holds promise for mitigating climate change, it also raises ethical and governance concerns. Interventions at such a scale could have unintended consequences, and the potential for global impact means that international cooperation and strict oversight would be essential. Some experts argue that geoengineering should be considered a last resort, as it might distract from emissions reduction efforts and sustainable solutions. Research and small-scale trials are ongoing to better understand the feasibility, effectiveness, and risks of geoengineering, as well as to develop ethical frameworks and policies for potential deployment. Geoengineering, while controversial, remains an area of active exploration as part of the broader search for solutions to the climate crisis.