Geoengineering: The Gamble

Geoengineering, which aims to reflect more sunlight back into space to cool Earth, poses risks and uncertainties. However, climate economist Gernot Wagner argues that it may become necessary due to the difficulty of cutting carbon emissions in time. He provides a balanced view of the potential benefits and risks, including the "moral hazard" of undermining the push for carbon emissions reduction. Wagner explores scenarios of a geoengineered future and highlights the need for global cooperation and guidance to ensure its research is conducted in a productive and responsible manner.

Format: Hardback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 24 September 2021
Publisher: Polity Press

Stabilizing the world's climates requires a significant reduction in carbon dioxide pollution, with no alternative approach. However, achieving this goal within the given timeframe or even reducing carbon emissions to zero may prove challenging, if not impossible. Enter solar geoengineering, a potential solution. The concept is straightforward: reflect more sunlight back into space to cool Earth. The primary method involves shooting particles into the upper atmosphere, which may seem concerning. However, it is important to note that this approach implies increased pollution, rather than a reduction.

Despite the potential risks and uncertainties, solar geoengineering is gaining attention as a potential solution to climate change. In Geoengineering: The Gamble, climate economist Gernot Wagner offers a balanced perspective on the potential benefits and all-too-real risks, particularly the so-called "moral hazard" that researching or discussing solar geoengineering could undermine the efforts to reduce carbon emissions. Despite these concerns, Wagner argues that solar geoengineering is likely to become a reality in the near future, not if, but when.

As the founding executive director of Harvard's Solar Geoengineering Research Program, Wagner delves into scenarios of a geoengineered future, providing an inside-view of the ongoing research and the actions needed to steer it in a productive direction. He explores the potential risks and benefits of various geoengineering techniques, such as injecting reflective particles into the atmosphere, reflecting sunlight into space using giant mirrors, and altering the Earth's albedo. Wagner also discusses the ethical considerations and the need for international cooperation in implementing such technologies.

While solar geoengineering offers a glimmer of hope in addressing climate change, it is crucial to approach it with caution and to prioritize the reduction of carbon emissions through sustainable practices. The world must work together to mitigate the impacts of climate change and to find long-term solutions that balance the needs of the environment, society, and economy.

Weight: 386g
Dimension: 223 x 140 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781509543052