Some want to ban geoengineering research. This would be a catastrophic mistake for our planet | Craig Segall and Baroness Bryony Worthington

[Shrunken Driving 25th]

Geoengineering research: Why the world can't afford to shut it down.

The notion of intentionally altering the Earth's climate to combat the effects of global warming is a taboo topic for many. However, proponents of geoengineering argue that banning this type of research would be a catastrophic mistake. For decades, humans have been releasing greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, disrupting the planet's energy balance and triggering feedback loops. The time has come to acknowledge that mitigation alone may not be enough to reverse the damage.

The Earth's climate system is more sensitive to greenhouse gases than initially thought, according to scientists. Moreover, our current pace of reducing emissions is woefully inadequate. As a result, catastrophic impacts and dangerous feedback loops are becoming increasingly likely. It's essential to reconsider our approach to tackling climate change and explore all available tools to reduce the risk of irreversible damage.

One such tool is geoengineering research, which involves using technological interventions to cool the planet or counteract the effects of global warming. This can include methods like reflecting sunlight with particles or brightening marine clouds to slow down the darkening of our atmosphere. While these ideas may seem radical, they are worth exploring, particularly in light of the alarming warnings from scientists like James Hansen.

The stakes are high, and we're running out of time. The lack of a comprehensive global plan for addressing climate change is staggering. We've already geoengineered the climate, albeit unintentionally, through our reliance on fossil fuels and greenhouse gases. It's essential to develop credible options for reducing peak warming or slowing down dangerous feedbacks.

Banning research into geoengineering would be a step backward. Instead, we need to invest in holistic planning that incorporates adaptation, resilience, and emergency preparedness. This approach requires policymakers to make informed choices rather than relying on emergency decisions under pressure. The stakes are too high to ignore the potential benefits of geoengineering research.

The argument that discussing climate interventions creates a "moral hazard" is unfounded. Refusing to consider life-saving options is not moral clarity; it's moral failure. Climate justice demands protecting people from suffering, which requires a plan that integrates mitigation, adaptation, and risk reduction together.

We need more leaders, funders, and governments to engage in this conversation. The work ahead will require courage, collaboration, and a willingness to confront the uncomfortable truths about our planet's future. The window of opportunity is narrowing, but it's not yet closed. We can still shape the future in ways that are safe, just, and globally inclusive – if we act now.

 

[Uptight Unico]

omg what a crazy topic geoengineering sounds like something out of science fiction but apparently its real and people think shud be researched so we dont get stuck with climate change its not just about emissions tho the earths climate system is super sensitive so even if we stop releasing greenhouse gases there might still be damage done from before . the thing is scientists arent just saying let us geoengineer lol they actually have methods like adding particles to reflect sunlight or brightening clouds that could help slow it down and its not like its a crazy idea its been discussed by james hansen and other big brains

anyway we need to stop being so afraid of it and start thinking about the future climate justice means protecting ppl from suffering which means having a plan thats all about saving lives . we need more leaders funders and govts talking about this cuz its time to get real geoengineering isnt just some crazy tech experiment its our only hope for getting out of this mess so lets be brave and start working on it

 

[Helpful Hornet]

I'm kinda worried about this geoengineering thingy... I mean, I get where they're coming from - our emissions are like super crazy right now and we need to do something ASAP. But shutting it down completely sounds like a huge mistake? Like, what's the alternative? Just keep burning fossil fuels until someone comes up with a better plan? It feels like we should be exploring all options here, you know?

I've been reading about this stuff for ages and I'm still not convinced that geoengineering is the silver bullet. But at the same time, it can't hurt to try, right? We need more transparency around what's going on and who's funding these projects. I wish someone would have a straightforward answer on when we'll know if it works or not.

It's weird, though... people are always talking about climate justice, but then they're all like "let's just shut down geoengineering" and that feels kinda safe for the powers that be, you feel? Like, what about the people who are gonna get hurt in the meantime? We need to keep our options open.

 

[Kind Ko]

I think geoengineering research should be on the table, you know? Like seriously, we're already messing with the climate by burning fossil fuels and all that. It's not like we can just stop it now, right? I mean, what if some tech can actually help us slow down global warming? We've been ignoring this problem for so long, and now it's getting really out of hand. The scientists are saying the Earth's climate system is more sensitive than we thought, and our emissions are still way too high. It's not just about shutting down geoengineering research; it's about having some backup plan to avoid total disaster!

 

[Innocent Ibis]

Geoengineering should be on the table , it's crazy to think the world can't afford to even try anything new to stop climate change . I mean, we've already messed with the planet so badly that drastic measures sound like a last resort . Can't we just explore all options instead of saying "no" and hoping for the best? I'm not sure what's more alarming - the fact that scientists think geoengineering could be our only hope or that people are already ignoring it . We need to get over our fear of trying new things and work together to fix this problem ASAP !

 

[Full Metal UFO Jihad]

I'm getting super worried about climate change lol I mean, we're basically playing Russian roulette with the planet and everyone's life is at stake We can't keep relying on carbon offsetting or pretending like individual actions are gonna save us - it's just not enough, fam. Geoengineering might seem crazy, but what choice do we have when the science is clear? The more I think about it, the more I'm convinced that we need to be exploring all avenues to reduce warming and prevent those catastrophic feedback loops We can't afford to play it safe when there's still time to make a difference

 

[Undead Sumo Invaders]

I'm all for geoengineering research getting more funding lol... think about it - what if we actually do something to cool down this crazy planet? we're already messing with the climate by burning fossil fuels like they're going out of style, so at least let's try some actual fixes instead of just talking about 'mitigation'.

the whole idea that banning research is gonna be a "catastrophic mistake" seems kinda true tbh... if scientists think it's worth looking into, why not? we've already kinda geoengineered the climate with our emissions, so let's at least try some new tricks to fix things instead of just playing whack-a-mole on the problem.

 

[Better Bug]

I'm telling you, the government is hiding something . They don't want us to know about geoengineering because they don't want us to take control of our own destiny. I mean, think about it, they're already manipulating the climate by releasing greenhouse gases and whatnot. Now they want to start playing with fire, literally, by messing with the planet's energy balance? No thanks . They need to come clean about their plans for geoengineering research and involve us in the conversation. We can't just sit back and wait for them to decide our fate. It's time we take charge of our own future .

 

[Viking Mall Ultra]

I dont get why scientists are so worried about climate change... like, what's wrong with having a bit of hot weather every now and then? And geoengineering sounds super cool! Can someone please tell me how it works? Like, is it gonna make the planet colder or something?

So, I was watching this documentary on space exploration and did you guys know that there's this one asteroid that's just chillin' in space waiting to crash into us? Like, what are the chances right? Should we be worried about that too? Or is it like, totally impossible for it to happen?

And can someone explain to me why we need to reduce our emissions so much? I know climate change is bad and all, but like, how much of a difference will it really make if we just use less energy or whatever?

 

[Regal Jetpack Man]

omg I cant believe its 2025 and ppl still think geoengineering is a crazy idea like yeah we need to try EVERYTHING at this point!! its not like we can just sit back and wait for the apocalypse to happen... I mean we've been releasing greenhouse gases into the atmosphere for decades now, what were we waiting for?

and btw, James Hansen is literally the original climate alarmist his warnings are still super relevant today. it's so frustrating that ppl still dont take him seriously.

i think its time to shift from "mitigation" mode to "adaptation" mode. we need to be thinking about how to survive in a world where temps are gonna keep rising, not just trying to stop the rise

and can we pls talk about the lack of funding for geoengineering research? like, it's literally the most expensive way to fix our mess... but no one wants to shell out the cash

anywayz I think its time to get serious about geoengineering. let's ditch the taboo conversation and start talking about how we can actually save ourselves

 

[Derek Smart']

I'm so sorry I missed this thread ... but honestly, geoengineering research can't be ignored anymore . It sounds crazy, I know, but what choice do we have? We've been playing catch-up on climate change for decades and it's not working out . I mean, come on, scientists are already saying that our current pace of emissions reduction is woefully inadequate . We need to stop thinking about this as a "radical" idea and start seeing the benefits .

I'm all for adaptation and resilience, but let's be real, it's not going to cut it if we don't take drastic action . We're talking catastrophic impacts here, not just rising sea levels or extreme weather events . I know some people might say that discussing geoengineering creates a "moral hazard" or something, but honestly, refusing to consider life-saving options is just plain selfish .

We need more leaders and funders who are willing to have this conversation and invest in research . It's time for us to stop playing politics with climate change and start acting like adults . The window of opportunity might be narrowing, but I still think we can shape a better future if we work together .

 

[Gifted Gibbon]

omg u think geoengineering r ntot be a viable option 2 tackle climate change?? i'm low-key obsessed w/ this topic rn lol anywayz, its kinda crazy 2 think bout it but like what if we use tech 2 reflect sunlight n brighten clouds?? its def worth explorin, esp w/ james hansen's warnings gettin so dire the thing is tho, geoengineering ain't a replacement 4 mitigation we need 2 work on reducin emissions 1st tho. but lmk if u think we should b investin in all these crazy schemes n see what happens

 

[Awesome Wagon Chase]

i dont think geoengineering should be off limits its like saying you cant try to break a record after realizing its too hard . we need to explore all options before banning it. its crazy we've been releasing greenhouse gases for decades and still havent made progress on reducing emissions . we're basically trying to put out a fire with a wet blanket. geengineering might not be perfect but at this point im willing to try anything that could help mitigate the damage

 

[Exuberant Eel]

I'm still on the fence about geoengineering . I mean, think about it - messing with the planet's energy balance? Sounds like a recipe for disaster to me... what if we make things worse instead of better? I get that emissions are through the roof and all, but can't we try to reduce them instead of resorting to tech fixes?

 

[Better Baboon]

OMG u guyz!!! geoengineering rly needs 2 b on the table rn! its like, we've been releasing all these greenhouse gases 4 decades & it's clear we can't keep up w/ emissions cuts alone . scientists say our climate system is way more sensitive than we thought & we're heading 4 catastrophic consequences .

i mean, geoengineering might seem radical but think bout it - its like, a last resort to prevent irreparable damage . ban research on this & we're basically saying "let's just wait 4 the worst 2 happen"

we need 2 invest in holistic planning that includes adaptation, resilience & emergency prep . and no, discussing geoengineering doesn't create a moral hazard - its about doing what's rite 2 protect ppl from suffering .

anywayz, let's hope our leaders & govts can get on board w/ this convo ASAP we gotta take action now & not just wing it

 

[Calm]

Geoengineering is like trying to fix a broken engine with duct tape lol . But seriously, our emissions are through the roof and scientists say it's time to think outside the box (or in this case, the atmosphere). I'm all for exploring new ways to cool the planet or at least slow down the damage. It's not like we haven't been warned about climate change for decades now... https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/climate-change/

 

[Brain-Damaged]

I'm low-key worried about this geoengineering stuff . I mean, I get why we need to think outside the box to tackle climate change, but is it really worth playing with fire like this? Like, what's the catch? Are we just gonna create a whole new set of problems that we can't even predict? It's all good and well for the scientists to say "let's do this", but what about the people on the ground who are actually going to be affected by these technological interventions? We need more transparency and accountability here, you feel?

 

[Blissful P]

the earths climate system is super sensitive , like, way more than we thought! our current emissions pace is so bad, it's like we're playing a game of climate roulette . geoengineering isn't just some wild idea, it's actually worth exploring (and brightening marine clouds sounds kinda cool ). the thing is, we can't afford to shut down research on this stuff right now. we need holistic planning that includes adaptation, resilience, and emergency prep. it's not just about mitigation, it's about survival .

think of it like a big puzzle . we're missing some pieces, but we gotta try to find them before the whole thing comes crashing down . no more moral hazard nonsense , we need leaders who can make tough decisions and funders who care about saving lives .

let's get real, folks . the stakes are high, and time is running out . but we still have a chance to shape the future in ways that are safe, just, and inclusive . so let's work together, be brave, and confront those uncomfortable truths

 

[Epic Hair Salon P]

I'm kinda worried about this geoengineering thingy ... I mean, the earth's climate system is way more sensitive than we thought, and our emission reductions are super slow . We can't just sit around waiting for things to get worse, but at the same time, messing with the planet on a massive scale sounds like a recipe for disaster .

I'm not sure if I trust these geoengineering methods yet, but we gotta be open to exploring all our options . Maybe one of these ideas will actually work and save us from ourselves . We need more leaders and governments to talk about this stuff and make some decisions that'll benefit everyone .

It's not like we haven't been warned about climate change - scientists have been telling us for years that something needs to be done . Now, we're running out of time and it's getting super serious . We can still try to fix things if we work together and act fast .

I guess what I'm trying to say is... let's not shut down the research just yet . Let's keep having this conversation and see what we can come up with .

 

[Healt]

Geoengineering research is like the ultimate last resort . I mean, we've been messing around with our planet for decades and now we're realizing it's not enough to just reduce emissions . The more I read about this stuff, the more I think we need to consider all options, even if they seem crazy at first . I'm talking about those sun-reflecting particles or cloud-whitening methods ... whatever it takes to slow down the clock on climate change .

I've seen some people say banning research is a safer bet, but that just seems like short-sighted . We can't just ignore the elephant in the room (or should I say, the polar bear ). Climate justice isn't about being moral or clear-cut; it's about taking care of each other and the planet .

If we don't start talking about this stuff seriously, who will? It's time for leaders to take ownership and funders to invest in a comprehensive plan . We need more collaboration and less fear-mongering . And honestly, it's better late than never... even if the future looks uncertain .