Climate Engineering: A Normative Perspective

Climate Engineering: A Normative Perspective discusses the potential policy response to climate change through technological proposals like stratospheric aerosol injection. It raises questions about the ethics, governance, and distribution of benefits and burdens associated with such interventions. The book advocates for research and regulation guided by norms of legitimacy, distributive justice, and procedural justice.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 210 pages
Publication date: 15 March 2022
Publisher: Lexington Books

Climate engineering, a controversial topic that was once considered taboo, is now the focus of much attention and debate. It involves the deliberate, large-scale manipulation of the planet's environment to counteract the effects of human-induced climate change. This multidisciplinary field encompasses a wide range of technological proposals, each aimed at addressing the challenges posed by global warming. In his book, Climate Engineering: A Normative Perspective, Daniel Edward Callies delves into one specific proposal, stratospheric aerosol injection. This method involves spraying aerosol particles into the upper atmosphere to reflect a small portion of incoming sunlight and thereby cool the Earth's temperature.

While climate engineering offers a potential solution to the urgent problem of climate change, it raises several important questions that require careful consideration. One of the primary concerns is whether engaging in such research will inevitably lead to the deployment of these technologies. Could the focus on geoengineering divert attention and resources away from the more critical tasks of mitigation and adaptation, which are essential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to the impacts of climate change? Another important question is whether risky interventions in the climate system should be avoided altogether. Climate engineering involves manipulating complex systems, and any unintended consequences could have far-reaching and unpredictable effects.

Furthermore, questions about legitimate governance and the distribution of benefits and burdens associated with climate engineering arise. Who should be involved in the decision-making process? How should the benefits and risks of these technologies be shared among different stakeholders? Callies offers a normative perspective on these and other questions related to engineering the climate. He argues that research and regulation should be guided by norms of legitimacy, distributive justice, and procedural justice. Legitimacy refers to the acceptability of the decision-making process and the extent to which it is based on scientific evidence and ethical principles. Distributive justice involves ensuring that the benefits and burdens of climate engineering are distributed fairly among different groups and individuals. Procedural justice involves ensuring that the decision-making process is transparent, inclusive, and accountable.

Callies also discusses the ethical implications of climate engineering. He raises questions about the rights and responsibilities of individuals and societies, as well as the responsibilities of governments and corporations. He argues that climate engineering should be approached with caution and that ethical considerations should be integrated into the decision-making process.

In conclusion, Climate Engineering: A Normative Perspective provides a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate about climate engineering. It raises important questions that require careful consideration and ethical analysis. By advocating for research and regulation guided by norms of legitimacy, distributive justice, and procedural justice, Callies aims to ensure that the benefits and risks of climate engineering are managed responsibly and that the decision-making process is transparent and inclusive. This book is a must-read for policymakers, scientists, and anyone interested in understanding the potential and challenges of climate engineering.

Weight: 277g
Dimension: 219 x 154 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781498586696