LIVE SHOW - Solar Geoengineering: Should we go there? - Part II
Oct 23, 2024
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In a lively discussion, experts explore the controversial world of solar geoengineering as a solution to rising global temperatures. They delve into various techniques, including stratospheric aerosol injection, and examine the complexities of governance and ethical considerations involved. The conversation reveals significant global energy disparities and emphasizes the need for equitable solutions. Additionally, the episode highlights the evolving public sentiment toward solar geoengineering research and the urgency of addressing climate change.
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Quick takeaways
Growing interest in solar geoengineering arises as traditional emission reduction strategies fall short amidst declining public concern about climate change.
Establishing a robust governance framework and fostering international collaboration is crucial for the responsible implementation of solar geoengineering initiatives.
Deep dives
Current Challenges in Climate Action
Despite a notable increase in spending on clean energy, public concern about climate change has declined, making it a lower priority in Canada. Data suggests that emissions reductions by 2030 may fall well short of existing commitments. The World Meteorological Organization has reported alarming temperature increases, with 2023 being the hottest year recorded thus far. This contrast between progress made and the increasing challenges highlights the ongoing complexity of addressing climate change effectively.
Understanding Solar Geoengineering
Solar geoengineering encompasses methods aimed at cooling the planet, including concepts such as solar radiation management. Given the slow progress in emission reductions, interest in solar geoengineering is growing among researchers and policymakers. The possibility of injecting aerosols into the atmosphere raises significant concerns, both technical and ethical, about the potential implications of such actions. It's essential to understand the nuanced balance between mitigation strategies, including emissions cuts and carbon removal, to manage climate risks effectively.
Research and Trustworthiness in Climate Engineering
The current funding for solar geoengineering research is relatively modest, leading to questions about its reliability and credibility. Many existing studies are built on long-established atmospheric science principles, offering a foundation of knowledge that underlines the necessity for further research. The challenge exists in ensuring that funding is distributed globally, promoting diverse research efforts rather than concentrating on a specific region or interest group. Addressing the uncertainties and potential impacts of solar geoengineering requires interdisciplinary collaboration and critical examination of existing models.
Economic Viability and Governance Issues
Implementing solar geoengineering could incur costs significantly lower than those associated with climate damages and decarbonization efforts, potentially under ten billion dollars annually. The crucial challenge lies not in the financial aspect but in establishing trust and a governance framework to manage such initiatives responsibly. It remains vital to create political stability and agreement among nations, which is often difficult due to varied interests and priorities. Developing effective mechanisms to oversee international collaboration will be essential for any future deployment of solar geoengineering strategies.
๐๐ถ๐๐ฒ ๐ฎ๐ ๐๐ป๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ด๐ ๐๐ถ๐๐ฟ๐๐ฝ๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐: ๐จ๐ก๐๐ง๐ ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ฐ ๐๐ถ๐๐ต ๐๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ฑ ๐๐ฒ๐ถ๐๐ต & ๐๐ฑ ๐ช๐ต๐ถ๐๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด๐ต๐ฎ๐บ David and Ed hit the stage at the Energy Disruptors: UNITE 2024 summit in Calgary to discuss solar geoengineering, a major focus of David's academic research. Together, they unpack the technical and non-technical dimensions of solar geoengineering, including global governance and decision making.
(00:45) Start of live show and topic introduction (04:49) What is Solar Geoengineering? (30:45) Audience Q & A
๐๐ฏ๐ผ๐๐ ๐ฌ๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐๐๐ ๐๐ผ-๐๐ผ๐๐๐: David Keith is Professor and Founding Faculty Director, Climate Systems Engineering Initiative at the University of Chicago. He is the founder of Carbon Engineering and was formerly a professor at Harvard University and the University of Calgary. He splits his time between Canmore and Chicago.
Sara Hastings-Simon studies energy transitions at the intersection of policy, business, and technology. Sheโs a policy wonk, a physicist turned management consultant, and a professor at the University of Calgary and Director of the Master of Science in Sustainable Energy Development.
Ed Whittingham is a clean energy policy/finance professional specializing in renewable electricity generation and transmission, carbon capture, carbon removal and low carbon transportation. He is a Public Policy Forum fellow and formerly the executive director of the Pembina Institute, a national clean energy think tank.