News from a World in Flux Ep. 2: Aerosol masking, geoengineering, and the pension problem
Aug 25, 2023
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Extinction Rebellion's co-founder and a conservation scientist discuss aerosol masking and geoengineering. They delve into the flaws in the economics of climate and the grave risks it poses to the pension sector. The podcast also explores the uncertainty and significance of the climate problem, the controversy surrounding sulfur aerosols and geoengineering, the critique of neoclassical economics, and the importance of individual action in tackling climate change.
Aerosol masking, a phenomenon where airborne particles reflect sunlight and act as a mask, has complex implications for climate change and requires further research and attention.
The flawed economic analysis in mainstream neoclassical economics underestimates the risks and costs of climate impacts, impacting sectors like pensions and calling for accurate economic assessments and interdisciplinary approaches.
Deep dives
Aerosol Masking and Climate Change
Aerosol masking, the phenomenon where airborne particles reflect sunlight and act as a mask, has been discussed in this podcast episode. These aerosols, released through burning fossil fuels and other sources, help cool the planet by reflecting solar radiation. However, they also contribute to air pollution and health problems. The loss of aerosol masking due to decreased emissions, such as the reduction of sulfur emissions from shipping, has led to concerns about the acceleration of climate change, as the oceans are now absorbing more heat. The complexity and uncertainty surrounding the aerosol masking effect highlight the need for further research and attention to this issue.
Geoengineering and Unintended Consequences
The podcast episode explores the concept of geoengineering as a potential solution to mitigate climate change impacts. Geoengineering refers to deliberate interventions in the Earth's climate system to counteract global warming. The unintended consequences of such actions are discussed, emphasizing the need for caution and thorough consideration. While unintentional geoengineering experiments, like aerosol masking, have already been taking place due to activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, the potential risks and implications of deliberately manipulating the climate are significant. The importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and ethical debate in addressing geoengineering-related decisions is highlighted.
Underestimating Climate Risks in Economic Analyses
The podcast delves into the inherent flaws and biases within mainstream neoclassical economics concerning climate change. It highlights the distorted economic analysis that underestimates the risks and costs associated with climate impacts. The example of economist William Nordhaus winning a Nobel Prize for his work claiming that the economy would continue unaffected in a seven-degree world serves as a striking illustration of this issue. The misleading economic analyses have significant implications for sectors like pensions, which rely on fossil fuels and are based on faulty assumptions. The urgent need for more accurate economic assessments and a cross-disciplinary approach to address climate-related challenges in the finance sector is emphasized.
Pluralistic Ignorance and Climate Action
Pluralistic ignorance, where individuals believe they are in the minority in their concern for climate change, is discussed in the podcast. It highlights the importance of open conversations and actions to overcome this problem. By openly expressing individual commitment to climate action, such as reducing carbon footprints, engaging in non-violent civil disobedience, and participating in climate movements like Extinction Rebellion, people can inspire others to join in and demonstrate the collective urgency of the climate crisis. Challenging the mainstream economic narrative and fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration are highlighted as ways to create societal change and address the interconnected ethical, scientific, and geopolitical challenges facing climate action.
Extinction Rebellion’s co-founder Clare Farrell and conservation scientist Dr Charlie Gardner team up once more to discuss issues and stories they feel are not getting enough airtime. They want to make sure that the latest news in science and important reports that are relevant to the climate and ecological crisis are flagged and explained in ways that are easy to understand.
EPISODE 2: Aerosol masking, geoengineering, and the pension problem
In this episode they discuss the evolving discourse on aerosol masking, particulates and solar radiation management approaches, plus the pensions report from carbon tracker that shows the flawed economics of climate overlooks science and leaves the pension sector in grave risk. In fact the assumptions used to make decisions in finance cite risks that the scientific community describe as incompatible with organised human life as ‘acceptable’.