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SOLAR GEOENGINEERING

RHET-1105: Academic Writing: Multidisciplinary

Chicago Style Citation

Word count: 130

Harjasleen Sarao

August 08, 2023


In a world facing ever-escalating environmental challenges, the concept of geoengineering has

emerged as a thought-provoking and controversial avenue because it is a deliberate large-scale

manipulation of Earth's natural systems for mitigating the impacts of climate change. The essay

discusses three key aspects of geoengineering. The first argument explores the technological

potential of geoengineering solutions, such as solar radiation management and carbon capture, to

address climate change on a global scale. The second argument delves into the ethical dilemmas

and societal impacts posed by geoengineering, considering unintended consequences, equity, and

conflicts with traditional ecological knowledge. Lastly, the third argument highlights the risks

and uncertainties associated with geoengineering, including altered weather patterns and impacts

on ecosystems, stressing the need for robust scientific research and international collaboration to

manage potential adverse effects.

Bibliography

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This book explores climate geoengineering in response to global climate change. It

discusses the gap between international intentions and actions, highlighting the rise of

geoengineering. It analyzes scientific, political, and legal aspects, focusing on carbon removal

and solar radiation management. Essential for policymakers, scientists, and scholars working on

climate mitigation.

Carslaw, Ken s. 2022. Aerosols and Climate. San Diego, California: Elsevier.
"Aerosols and Climate" offers a comprehensive guide to aerosol effects on climate,

catering to researchers and newcomers alike. It presents subjects at different levels, from

overviews to model insights, aiding readers in grasping current knowledge and gaps. Relevant to

various fields, it's a valuable resource providing balanced expertise on aerosol-climate

interactions and challenges.

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The article emphasizes informed choices for solar radiation modification (SRM)

strategies, like stratospheric aerosol injection, to cool the climate. Accurate projections rely on

global climate models, but current simulations lack comparability, hindering risk assessment.

The article proposes diverse scenarios and corresponding simulations for broader scientific use,

aiding risk assessment and decision-making.

Kevin, Surprise. 2020. "Geopolitical ecology of solar geoengineering: from a 'logic of

multilateralism' to logics of militarization." Journal of Political Ecology 27.

https://doi.org/10.2458/v27i1.23583.

Since the mid-1970s, research on 100% renewable energy has evolved due to oil price

spikes. Global studies show its feasibility and cost-effectiveness, driven by solar, wind, and

efficiency measures. Challenges like grid congestion and carbon removal are explored to achieve

a net-negative emissions economy, limiting global warming to 1.5°C. The article addresses

skepticism, institutional barriers, and societal benefits, underlining future progress.


Lockyer, Adam, and Jonathan Symons. 2019. "The national security implications of solar

geoengineering: an Australian perspective." Australian Journal of International Affairs

485-503. https://doi.org/10.1080/10357718.2019.1662768.

The abstract explores using solar geoengineering to counter severe global warming.

Techniques like marine cloud brightening and aerosol dispersal could work, though they raise

security concerns. The study evaluates Australia's security risks if other countries use this

approach, especially if major players like China, the US, or regional powers disagree.

Michael S Diamond, Kelly Wanser, Olivier Boucher. 2023. "“Cooling credits” are not a viable

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This article discusses how amid the global challenge of limiting temperature rise to 1.5 or

2 °C, interest has surged in solar climate interventions as a means to temporarily counteract

greenhouse gas-induced warming. These interventions involve injecting aerosols into the

upientific uncertainties, the divergent environmental impacts of aerosols and greenhouse gases

make such credits unsuitable for mitigating climate risks, even with refined monitoring.

Although commercial approaches to solar climate interventions may arise, "cooling credits" are

unlikely to offer a viable present or future climate solution.

Sovacool, Benjamin K, Chad M Baum, and Sean Low. 2023. "Risk-risk governance in a low-

carbon future: Exploring institutional, technological, and behavioral tradeoffs in climate

geoengineering pathways." Risk analysis : an official publication of the Society for Risk

Analysis 838-859. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdfdirect/10.1111/risa.13932.


The article explores "climate geoengineering" as a radical method for tackling climate

change. It examines 20 options, divided into carbon removal and solar management, identifying

risks and tradeoffs. The study advances risk understanding, addressing governance, technology,

environment, and behavior aspects, and suggests avenues for policy and research.

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