The Great Simplification with Nate Hagens Will We Artificially Cool the Planet? The Science and Politics of Geoengineering with Ted Parson
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Nov 12, 2025 In this enlightening conversation, Ted Parson, a noted expert in environmental law and climate policy, dives into the pressing issue of geoengineering as a potential tool to combat climate change. He explains the mechanics and risks of stratospheric aerosol injection, discussing its plausibility for cooling the planet. Ted emphasizes the necessity of proactive governance and international dialogue, as well as the ethical implications of altering Earth's systems. He also shares insights on how past volcanic eruptions inform our understanding of aerosol effects, making for a thought-provoking listen.
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Near-Term Warming Likely Despite Progress
- The world is likely headed to ~2–2.5°C warming despite progress on clean energy.
- That warming trajectory creates near-term risks that may require additional responses beyond mitigation.
How Solar Geoengineering Works
- Solar geoengineering increases Earth's reflectivity to reduce absorbed solar energy.
- It aims to cool climate by making the planet slightly brighter, offsetting some greenhouse warming.
Why Stratospheric Aerosols Stand Out
- Most surface or space-based reflectivity ideas don't scale or are technically distant.
- Stratospheric aerosol injection (SAI) is the most plausible near-term option for global cooling.
