Climate Crisis: Why Transparency is Key to Geoengineering
As the world teeters on the brink of catastrophic climate change, a contentious solution has emerged: solar geoengineering. By deliberately reflecting sunlight to cool the planet, advocates claim it could buy us time to address the crisis. However, critics warn that this approach poses unknown risks and could undermine meaningful climate action.
Research into solar geoengineering is advancing globally, with scientists exploring techniques such as stratospheric aerosol injection and marine cloud brightening. These technologies aim to mimic the cooling effect of volcanic eruptions and enhance the reflectivity of low-lying marine clouds, respectively. Yet, these innovations are largely absent from public discourse in the global south.
The global south is at the epicenter of the climate crisis, with regions experiencing rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and altered rainfall patterns. Wildfires, heatwaves, droughts, floods, and storms are becoming increasingly frequent and severe, exacerbating existing inequalities and posing significant challenges to development and public well-being.
While solar geoengineering has the potential to lower global temperatures, its effects would be unevenly distributed across different regions. Some areas might benefit, while others might suffer from altered rainfall patterns or ecological shifts. Comprehensive research is essential to accurately determine who would benefit and who would suffer, and how to alleviate any adverse impacts.
Governments in the global south are facing tough questions, as many haven't taken a public stance on solar geoengineering. Research funding is scarce, and public debate is nearly nonexistent. The result is a growing gap in knowledge, capacity, and influence, leaving regions vulnerable to risks associated with this technology.
However, including the global south in conversations about solar geoengineering is not only urgent but also possible. We are home to scientific talent and diverse worldviews that can inform global decisions about this technology. Excluding us would repeat colonial dynamics that have historically shaped climate policy: solutions designed for us but not with us.
Signs of constructive change are emerging, with initiatives like the Degrees Initiative funding scientists from the global south to study solar geoengineering's effects in their regions. The UK's Advanced Research and Invention Agency is also funding researchers from the global south to explore governance and ethics of geoengineering approaches.
To ensure equity, transparency, and informed consent, we need public research led by institutions in the global south, research networks rooted in southern universities, and funding that supports south-south collaboration. We must challenge decisions made elsewhere and engage in policy discussions grounded in local realities.
Solar geoengineering is not a solution to the climate crisis; it's a temporary bandage at best. The risks of unintended consequences, political misuse, or abrupt termination remain huge. Ignoring this technology won't make it go away; instead, we must ensure its development is transparent and equitable.
Climate justice demands a transparent approach to addressing our planet's plight after generations of pollution. Any effort to correct the path forward must be debated in the light of day, rather than behind closed doors.
As the world teeters on the brink of catastrophic climate change, a contentious solution has emerged: solar geoengineering. By deliberately reflecting sunlight to cool the planet, advocates claim it could buy us time to address the crisis. However, critics warn that this approach poses unknown risks and could undermine meaningful climate action.
Research into solar geoengineering is advancing globally, with scientists exploring techniques such as stratospheric aerosol injection and marine cloud brightening. These technologies aim to mimic the cooling effect of volcanic eruptions and enhance the reflectivity of low-lying marine clouds, respectively. Yet, these innovations are largely absent from public discourse in the global south.
The global south is at the epicenter of the climate crisis, with regions experiencing rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and altered rainfall patterns. Wildfires, heatwaves, droughts, floods, and storms are becoming increasingly frequent and severe, exacerbating existing inequalities and posing significant challenges to development and public well-being.
While solar geoengineering has the potential to lower global temperatures, its effects would be unevenly distributed across different regions. Some areas might benefit, while others might suffer from altered rainfall patterns or ecological shifts. Comprehensive research is essential to accurately determine who would benefit and who would suffer, and how to alleviate any adverse impacts.
Governments in the global south are facing tough questions, as many haven't taken a public stance on solar geoengineering. Research funding is scarce, and public debate is nearly nonexistent. The result is a growing gap in knowledge, capacity, and influence, leaving regions vulnerable to risks associated with this technology.
However, including the global south in conversations about solar geoengineering is not only urgent but also possible. We are home to scientific talent and diverse worldviews that can inform global decisions about this technology. Excluding us would repeat colonial dynamics that have historically shaped climate policy: solutions designed for us but not with us.
Signs of constructive change are emerging, with initiatives like the Degrees Initiative funding scientists from the global south to study solar geoengineering's effects in their regions. The UK's Advanced Research and Invention Agency is also funding researchers from the global south to explore governance and ethics of geoengineering approaches.
To ensure equity, transparency, and informed consent, we need public research led by institutions in the global south, research networks rooted in southern universities, and funding that supports south-south collaboration. We must challenge decisions made elsewhere and engage in policy discussions grounded in local realities.
Solar geoengineering is not a solution to the climate crisis; it's a temporary bandage at best. The risks of unintended consequences, political misuse, or abrupt termination remain huge. Ignoring this technology won't make it go away; instead, we must ensure its development is transparent and equitable.
Climate justice demands a transparent approach to addressing our planet's plight after generations of pollution. Any effort to correct the path forward must be debated in the light of day, rather than behind closed doors.
... you know, the one that serves amazing vegan fish tacos? Anyway, I'm reading this article about solar geoengineering and it's making me think about how we need to be careful with our planet's resources. Like, have you tried those new eco-friendly sunscreen sticks that are totally natural and whatnot? 
I swear by them when I'm out for a hike.
I mean, they have so much valuable insight into how climate change affects their regions and communities. We need more of those kinds of voices at the table, you know?
It's supposed to be super fun for groups and networking events. Anyway, I'm getting sidetracked again 
. The point is, we need to make sure climate research is inclusive and representative of all regions, not just the ones with more resources.
It's literally the cutest thing!
- like what if it actually works but then we just ignore the rest of climate change? We need more transparency and research from places that are getting hit the hardest by climate change, you know? Like Africa and South Asia are already dealing with so much and they're not even on the conversation 
. It's all about who gets to decide what happens next and it's so unfair 
. I'm all for addressing climate change but let's make sure we're doing it in a way that's fair and equitable, you feel? 
If we can't even figure out a way to keep ourselves safe and healthy, how can we trust them to do it for the whole planet?
We need to make sure our voices are heard and our expertise is valued.
we have scientists and experts who can contribute so much to understanding how solar geoengineering will affect us.
. Why should we trust them with our planet when they can't even get climate change right? It's gonna be a Wild West situation out there, and I ain't sure who'll benefit from it or who'll end up getting left in the dust 
.