Is it Time for Climate Interventions? | Ep177: Kelly Wanser
Sep 18, 2024
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In this enlightening discussion, Kelly Wanser, Executive Director of SilverLining, and climate policy advocate Bryony Worthington tackle the hot-button issue of geoengineering. They explore innovative techniques like cloud brightening and stratospheric aerosol injection, weighing their potential benefits against serious risks. The duo delves into the need for robust evidence and governance in implementing these solutions. Highlighting the urgency of climate action, they call for global cooperation and ethical responsibilities, especially among wealthy individuals.
Geoengineering, such as cloud brightening, offers a potentially fast and cost-effective method for cooling the planet amidst climate change.
The importance of engaging local communities in geoengineering discussions is critical to overcoming fears and ensuring transparency in interventions.
Robust scientific research and governance are necessary to evaluate the risks and benefits of various geoengineering strategies before large-scale implementation.
Deep dives
Exploring Geoengineering Solutions
Geoengineering presents a potential avenue for cooling the Earth as nations grapple with the escalating impacts of climate change. This approach could involve interventions that manipulate the climate system to reflect more sunlight away from the planet. A key consideration is the speed and cost-effectiveness of geoengineering compared to traditional greenhouse gas reduction strategies, which are often slow to yield results. The discussion emphasizes the importance of finding viable and rapid solutions while transitioning to sustainable energy and food systems.
The Role of Silver Lining
Silver Lining, a nonprofit organization, focuses on addressing near-term climate risks and exploring human interventions to mitigate the impacts of climate change. The organization prioritizes understanding what can happen within the next few decades and expanding options to ensure climate safety. This involves studying various interventions and their potential effects on the climate system. The group advocates for a nuanced understanding of climate interventions, akin to medical treatments, emphasizing the need for careful research and evidence-based applications.
Navigating Challenges and Opposition
Projects aimed at geoengineering often face substantial opposition from communities, fueled by fears and misinformation regarding safety and environmental impact. Examples of local pushback highlight the difficulties in gaining public acceptance and navigating regulatory frameworks, particularly when research involves substances like sea salt, which may lack widespread safety profiles. Engaging local communities and fostering open dialogue is crucial to dispelling myths and facilitating better understanding of geoengineering techniques. This requires addressing public concerns and ensuring transparency to foster a more informed approach to climate interventions.
Innovative Research and Small-Scale Experiments
Recent research endeavors include localized studies aimed at assessing the effects of climate interventions, such as cloud brightening techniques that utilize salt particles to enhance sunlight reflection. These small-scale projects focus on creating and monitoring specific particle sizes that could optimize atmospheric cooling effects. Conducted in collaboration with academic institutions, such experiments seek to refine models and enhance our understanding of climate interventions. The results from these studies could provide critical insights into the feasibility and potential impacts of larger-scale geoengineering efforts.
Global Perspectives and Collaborative Efforts
Countries like Australia and Japan are examining localized interventions to combat climate-related challenges, showcasing a growing global interest in geoengineering. Australia, facing significant threats to its coral reefs, is investing in marine cloud brightening studies to understand its efficacy. Japan's focus on mitigating storm intensity through similar interventions reflects a proactive stance toward climate adaptation. Collaborative international research and knowledge sharing are essential as nations navigate the complexities of both climate change and potential geoengineering solutions.
As climate impacts mount, pressure is building on policymakers to find ways to alleviate the crisis. One controversial option being explored is geoengineering - direct human interventions to cool the planet. But can we safely and effectively implement these large-scale climate remedies?
Bryony Worthington sits down with Kelly Wanser, Executive Director of the nonprofit SilverLining, which conducted early-stage experiments to improve the reflectivity of clouds in an experiment earlier this year. They discuss the different climate interventions being researched, the scientific and political challenges, and the critical need for robust evidence and governance to navigate these uncharted waters. From cloud brightening experiments to stratospheric aerosol injection, this conversation explores the potential upsides and major risks involved in intervening in the Earth's climate system.
Leadership Circle:
We are delighted to announce the Cleaning Up Leadership Circle, and our founding members: Actis, EcoPragma Capital, Eurelectric, the Gilardini Foundation, KKR, National Grid, Octopus Energy, Quadrature Climate Foundation and Wärtsilä. For more information on the Leadership Circle and how to become a member, please visit https://www.cleaningup.live
