Geoengineering

Examples of geoengineering methods: Solar radiation modification technologies, reforestation in the

Seychelles, clouds created by ship exhausts (marine cloud brightening), experimental space mirror.

Geoengineering (also known as climate engineering or climate intervention) is the deliberate large-
scale interventions in the Earth’s climate system intended to counteract human-caused climate change.[1]
The term commonly encompasses two broad categories: large-scale carbon dioxide removal (CDR) and
solar radiation modification (SRM). CDR involves techniques to remove carbon dioxide from the
atmosphere and is generally considered a form of climate change mitigation. SRM aims to reduce global
warming by reflecting a small portion of sunlight (solar radiation) away from Earth and back into space.
Although historically grouped together, these approaches differ substantially in mechanisms, timelines,
and risk profiles, and are now typically discussed separately.[2]: 168 [3] Some other large-scale engineering
proposals—such as interventions to slow the melting of polar and alpine ice—are also sometimes
classified as forms of geoengineering.

Some types of geoengineering present political, social and ethical issues. One common objection is that
focusing on these technologies could undermine efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Effective
governance and international oversight are widely regarded as essential.

Major scientific organizations have examined the potential, risks, and governance needs of
geoengineering, including the US National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine,[4][5][6]
the Royal Society,[7] the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO),[8] and the
World Climate Research Programme.[1]
Methods

Carbon dioxide removal

Carbon dioxide removal (CDR) is a process in which carbon
dioxide (CO2) is removed from Earth's atmosphere by
deliberate human activities and durably stored in geological,
terrestrial, or marine reservoirs, or in products.[11]: 2221 This
process is also known as carbon removal, greenhouse gas
removal or negative emissions. CDR is more and more often
integrated into climate policy, as an element of climate
change mitigation strategies.[12][13] Achieving net zero
emissions will require first and foremost deep and sustained
cuts in emissions, and then—in addition—the use of CDR
("CDR is what puts the net into net zero emissions" [14]). In
the future, CDR may be able to counterbalance emissions that
are technically difficult to eliminate, such as some
agricultural and industrial emissions.[15]: 114

CDR includes methods that are implemented on land or in

aquatic systems. Land-based methods include afforestation, Planting trees is a nature-based way to
reforestation, agricultural practices that sequester carbon in remove carbon dioxide from the
soils (carbon farming), bioenergy with carbon capture and atmosphere; however, the effect may

storage (BECCS), and direct air capture combined with only be temporary in some cases.[9][10]

storage.[15][16] There are also CDR methods that use oceans

and other water bodies. Those are called ocean fertilization, ocean alkalinity enhancement,[17] wetland
restoration and blue carbon approaches.[15] A detailed analysis needs to be performed to assess how much
negative emissions a particular process achieves. This analysis includes life cycle analysis and
"monitoring, reporting, and verification" (MRV) of the entire process.[18] Carbon capture and storage
(CCS) are not regarded as CDR because CCS does not reduce the amount of carbon dioxide already in
the atmosphere.

Solar radiation modification

Solar radiation modification (SRM), also called solar geoengineering, is a group of large-scale
approaches to reduce global warming by increasing the amount of sunlight that is reflected away from
Earth and back to outer space. It is not intended to replace efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,[19]
but rather to complement them as a potential way to limit global warming.[20]: 1489 SRM is a form of
geoengineering.

The most-researched SRM method is stratospheric aerosol injection (SAI), in which small reflective
particles would be introduced into the upper atmosphere to reflect sunlight.[21]: 350 Other approaches
include marine cloud brightening (MCB), which would increase the reflectivity of clouds over the oceans,
or constructing a space sunshade or a space mirror, to reduce the amount of sunlight reaching
earth.[22][23]
Glacial geoengineering
Glacial geoengineering is a set of proposed geoengineering
approaches that focus on slowing the loss of glaciers, ice
sheets, and sea ice in polar regions and, in some cases, alpine
areas. Proposals are motivated by concerns that feedback
loops—such as ice-albedo loss, accelerated glacier flow, and
permafrost methane release—could amplify climate change
and trigger climate tipping points.[24][25]

Proposed glacial geoengineering methods include regional or Proposed solar radiation modification
local solar radiation management, thinning cirrus clouds to using a tethered balloon to inject sulfate
allow more heat to escape, and deploying mechanical or aerosols into the stratosphere
engineering structures to stabilize ice. Specific strategies
under investigation are stratospheric aerosol
injection focused on polar regions,[24] marine
cloud brightening,[26] surface albedo
modification with reflective materials,[27]
basal interventions such as draining subglacial
water or promoting basal freezing,[25] and ice
shelf protection measures including seabed
curtains.[28]

Glacial geoengineering is in the early research

stage and many proposals face major
technical, environmental, and governance
challenges.[26] Supporters argue that targeted
interventions could help stabilize ice sheets,
slow sea-level rise, and reduce the risk of
Arctic sea ice coverage as of 2007 compared to 2005 and
passing irreversible thresholds in the climate
also compared to 1979-2000 average
system. At the same time, experts caution that
the effectiveness of these methods remains
highly uncertain and that interventions could produce unintended side effects.[25] Glacial geoengineering
is generally considered a possible complement to, not a replacement for, efforts to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions.[24][26]

Governance
Most governance issues relating to geoengineering are specific to the category or the specific method.
Nevertheless, a couple of international governance instruments have addressed geoengineering
collectively.

The Conference of Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity have made several decisions
regarding "climate related geoengineering." That of 2010 established "a comprehensive non-binding
normative framework"[29]: 106 for "climate-related geoengineering activities that may affect biodiversity,"
requesting that such activities be justified by the need to gather specific scientific data, undergo prior
environmental assessment, be subject to effective regulatory oversight.[30]: 96–97 [31]: 161–162 The Parties'
2016 decision called for "more transdisciplinary research and sharing of knowledge... in order to better
understand the impacts of climate-related geoengineering."[31]: 161–162 [32]

The parties to the London Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and
Other Matter and its associated London Protocol have addressed "marine geoengineering." In 2013, the
parties to the London Protocol adopted an amendment to establish a legally binding framework for
regulating marine geoengineering, initially limited to ocean fertilization and requiring assessment and
permitting before any activity proceeds. This amendment has not yet entered into force due to insufficient
ratifications. In 2022, the parties to both agreements acknowledged growing interest in marine
geoengineering, identified four techniques for priority review, and encouraged careful assessment of
proposed projects under existing guidelines while considering options for further regulation. In 2023,
they cautioned that these techniques could pose serious environmental risks, highlighted scientific
uncertainty about their effects, urged strict application of assessment frameworks, and called for broader
international cooperation.[33] Their work is supported by the Joint Group of Experts on the Scientific
Aspects of Marine Environmental Protection of the International Maritime Organization.

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