Climate engineering solutions (geo-engineering or climate intervention)

Climate engineering solutions (geo-engineering or climate intervention)

Climate engineering, also referred to as geoengineering or climate intervention,^[1] is the deliberate and large-scale intervention in the Earth’s climatic system with the aim of limiting adverse climate change.^[2][3][4] Climate engineering is an umbrella term for two types of measures: carbon dioxide removal and solar radiation management. Carbon dioxide removal addresses the cause of climate change by removing one of the greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide) from the atmosphere. Solar radiation management attempts to offset effects of greenhouse gases by causing the Earth to absorb less solar radiation.

Solar radiation management methods^[4] may include:

·         Surface-based: for example, using pale-colored roofing materials, attempting to change the oceans' brightness, or growing high-albedo crops.

·         Troposphere-based: for example, marine cloud brightening, which would spray fine sea water to whiten clouds and thus increase cloud reflectivity.

·         Upper atmosphere-based: creating reflective aerosols, such as stratospheric sulfate aerosols, specifically designed self-levitating aerosols,^[31] or other substances.

·         Space-based: space sunshade—obstructing solar radiation with space-based mirrors, dust,^[32] etc.

CO2 removal

·         Creating biochar, which can be mixed with soil to create terra preta

·         Bio-energy with carbon capture and storage to sequester carbon and simultaneously provide energy

·         Carbon air capture to remove carbon dioxide from ambient air

·         Afforestation, reforestation and forest restoration to absorb carbon dioxide

·         Ocean fertilization including iron fertilisation of the oceans