Open to Debate Is Engineering Solar Radiation A Crazy Idea?
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Jan 26, 2024 Debate on solar geoengineering, discussing feasibility, desirability, and potential impacts. Concerns raised about intentional harms, power control, and involvement of military and intelligence agencies. Benefits and risks of engineering solar radiation, including impacts on the atmosphere and solar-powered devices. Urgency of studying solar geoengineering as a potential solution to reduce climate change risks emphasized. Winner of the debate revealed and gratitude expressed to debaters and listeners.
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Rick and Morty Analogy
- Anjali Vishwamohanan recounted a "Rick and Morty" episode where a love potion caused global destruction.
- She uses this to illustrate the dangers of quick fixes like solar geoengineering.
The Urgency of Climate Action
- Ted Parson argues that cutting emissions is essential but insufficient to address climate change.
- He suggests that despite efforts like the Paris Accords, more drastic measures like geoengineering may be necessary.
Who Controls the Thermostat?
- Clive Hamilton expresses distrust in the institutions responsible for greenhouse gas emissions to handle solar geoengineering.
- He questions who should control such a powerful technology, raising concerns about potential misuse.