Geo-engineering is the deliberate manipulation of physical, chemical, or biological aspects of the Earth system (AGU, 2012). This strategy is becoming necessary due to sluggish mitigation efforts that are not enough to slow climate change, let alone undo changes resulting from past emissions. As well as the predicted inability to manage climate change by adaptation alone because of the wide range of impacts such as sea level rise, species extinction, drought, flooding, increased hurricane activity, and more. According to an applied physicist at Carnegie Mellon University, “we’re at the point where it would be a mistake not to better understand what might be possible or whether it might work” (Engelhaupt, 2010). It is important to research how effective geo-engineering could be at reducing carbon dioxide concentration or exerting a cooling influence on Earth to reverse the temperature increase.
Examples of geo-engineering inventions include releasing sulfate aerosols into the stratosphere to mimic cooling associated with volcanic eruptions, releasing seawater into the clouds to increase albedo, and releasing iron rich fertilizer into the ocean to enhance plankton growth. Nevertheless, each of these inventions has associated side effects. None of these ideas have been tested in the real world due to uncertainty and lack of funding. Pumping reflective solid particles into the stratosphere could block 2% of the sun’s rays, reducing temperatures by 2 degrees Celsius, and in turn balancing the warming effect of doubling CO2 above pre-industrial levels. The cost however, $10 billion per year, along with the possibilities for acid rain, reduction of rain during Asian and African summer monsoons, and slowing recovery of the Antarctic ozone hole by 30 years, make this a great idea if the damage for some is worth a 2 degree cooling. The problems associated with manipulation of clouds include impacts to precipitation patterns. Cloud seeding leads to uneven precipitation rates that could leave the equator dry and Amazon flooded, but could also cool the Artic enough to restore disappearing sea ice. Injecting the ocean with fertilizer to enhance growth of plankton that in turn ingests CO2 is the only invention out of all discussed that has been implemented. Geo-engineering has not received adequate attention and funding that could reduce the negative side effects and optimize the positive effects on the Earth system.
There is no question that concentration of CO2 will continue causing temperature rise if mitigation, adaptation, and/or geo-engineering strategies are not executed. Mitigation strategies might include finding ways to limit warming, flooding, and drought. However, there is damage that cannot be reversed with mitigation or adaptation alone. Geo-engineering has the potential to help society cope with climate change and the risks of adverse consequences. More funding is needed to support geo-engineers in finding ways to optimize cooling, while limiting additional negative impacts to the Earth system.
Engelhaupt, Erika. “Engineering a Cooler Earth.” JSTOR. Science News, 5 June 2010. Web. http://www.jstor.org.ezaccess.libraries.psu.edu/stable/pdf/25677901.pdf?acceptT C=true
“Geoengineering Solutions to Climate Change Require Enhanced Research, Consideration of Societal Impacts, and Policy Development.” Science Policy. American Geophysical Union, 13 Dec. 2009. Web. http://sciencepolicy.agu.org/files/2013/07/AGU_Geoengineering_Statement.pdf