Polar geoengineering projects could cause severe harm, scientists say
Lowering carbon emissions can delay, if not avert, catastrophic climate change, improve air quality and minimise environmental pollution. In fact, every tonne of emissions avoided today will translate to fewer shocks tomorrow, buying earth the sort of stability some are currently looking for with geoengineering
Geoengineering is a hotly contested topic both among scientists and policymakers. While some call it an innovative solution that could buy a warming world some time, others believe it’s a reckless cop out that could further environmental exploitation. A new study, led by University of Exeter geoscience professor Martin Siegert, has now tipped the balance in favour of its opponents by reporting that five prominent geoengineering concepts, proposed for the earth’s polar regions, fail to meet essential criteria for responsible climate interventions.