ENV199 Week 6 - Future Challenges & Debates

Elena, Rachel, and Audrey

COP26 in Glasgow

Sparked global collaboration on climate policy and innovation, emphasizing the scientific role in guiding decisions.

Role of Research

Scientists can influence policy, evaluate progress, and ensure effective use of climate finance, especially in developing nations.

Technological Innovation

Priorities include renewables, energy storage, hydrogen fuels, carbon removal, and low-carbon technologies.

Geoengineering Research

Stratospheric particle injection and cloud modification are studied for potential cooling effects but raise ethical and safety concerns.

Solar Geoengineering

Reflective particles injected into the stratosphere or modified clouds reflect sunlight to temporarily lower global temperatures.

Moral Hazard Debate

Critics fear researching geoengineering may reduce emission-cutting urgency; supporters argue understanding risks is essential.

SCoPEx Controversy

A balloon test in Sweden faced backlash from Indigenous groups, showing the need for transparency and inclusion.

Governance and Policy

U.S. National Academies recommend $100–200 million in research funding; international oversight through the UN is being explored.

Global Collaboration

Initiatives like SRMGI promote equitable global participation in solar geoengineering discussions.

Paris Agreement Goals

Limit warming to well below 2°C, ideally 1.5°C, but many nations are not meeting NDCs, prompting geoengineering exploration.

Geoengineering

Large-scale interventions to reduce climate change effects, divided into Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) and Radiative Forcing Geoengineering (RFG).

Biomass-Based CDR

Afforestation, biochar creation, and ocean iron fertilization aim to absorb CO₂ but face land use and ecological challenges.

Mineralization-Based CDR

Uses rock weathering or ocean alkalinity to capture CO₂ through chemical processes.

Radiative Forcing Geoengineering (RFG)

Alters Earth’s energy balance using sunlight-reflecting methods.

Space-Based Mirrors

Proposed to reflect solar radiation before it enters Earth’s atmosphere—effective but extremely costly and risky.

Surface-Based Reflectivity

Using lighter materials for roads or rooftops to increase reflection but limited in global impact.

Stratospheric Aerosol Injection

Injecting reflective particles into the stratosphere to increase albedo; safety and feasibility remain uncertain.

Marine Cloud Brightening

Seeding clouds to make them more reflective; could alter air chemistry and vegetation.

Cirrus Cloud Thinning

Reducing cirrus clouds’ heat-trapping effect through seeding ice nuclei.

Geoengineering Viability

Most techniques are experimental and not scalable for Paris Agreement timelines.

Global Governance Questions

Raises debates on who controls implementation and ethical decision-making for the entire planet.

Ocean Carbon Sink

Oceans absorb ~25% of human CO₂ emissions, making them a vital focus for climate mitigation.

Ocean Fertilization

Adding nutrients like iron or phosphorus to stimulate plankton growth for CO₂ absorption; risks include toxic algal blooms.

Artificial Upwelling

Pumps nutrient-rich deep water to the surface to enhance phytoplankton production and carbon capture.

Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement

Increases seawater’s ability to absorb CO₂ by adding alkaline minerals; potential chemical side effects.

Seaweed Cultivation

Large-scale seaweed growth captures CO₂, which can be stored in deep seas or sediments.

Ecosystem Recovery

Restoring marine life (kelp, whales, fish) enhances natural carbon uptake.

Electrochemical Approaches

Use electric currents to directly remove CO₂ or raise seawater pH for better carbon absorption.

Research and Governance

The U.S. National Academies recommend a 10-year, $1.1B research program with strong ethical and legal oversight.

Code of Conduct

Advocates for transparency, regulation, and community involvement in ocean-based CDR research.

Ethical and Legal Concerns

Governance, permanence, and ecosystem risks must be addressed before deployment.

Precautionary Principle

Governance and research must precede implementation to avoid ecological harm.

Social Justice in Ocean CDR

Indigenous and coastal communities must be involved in decision-making processes.

Key Takeaway

Ocean-based CDR has potential but remains uncertain; international cooperation and rigorous research are essential before action.