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Climatologist Speaks On the Effects of Geoengineering

Lasrick writes: In this interview with Rutgers University climatologist Alan Robock, he discusses geoengineering and nuclear winter. Robock believes that geoengineering is not the solution to global warming because of its many risks and unknowns. He notes that some of the technology that would be required to implement geoengineering has not been developed and that many socio-political questions would have to be resolved before it could be put into practice. To start with, the world would have to reach agreement on a target temperature and on what entity should do the implementing. Robock's biggest fear with regard to geoengineering is that disputes over these questions could escalate into nuclear war which in turn could cause nuclear winter, producing global famine among other effects. Fascinating, wide-ranging interview with one of the world's top climatologists.

3 of 105 comments (clear)

  1. Chase the rabbit by r.freeman · · Score: 2, Interesting

    Tere is no solution to human-made global warning, and there never will be - too much money to make on all the "scientists" and corruption and CO limits and everything.

  2. No, it won't by 0xdeadbeef · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Right winger before denial became untenable: you can't trust the models! Climate change is a hoax!

    Right winger after denial became untenable: our models say geo-engineering is safe and will work! Trust us!

    If you can't get the political will to do the simple safe thing, you won't get it to do the complex reckless thing.

  3. Re:Everything has consequences by KonoWatakushi · · Score: 3, Interesting

    2. is the renewable option, which is worse than doing nothing as it has large ecological and economic impact for virtually no benefit.
    3. may be necessary at some point for things like ocean acidification, but doesn't solve the fundamental energy problem.

    However, limiting oneself to three unworkable options isn't productive, so let's introduce another:

    4. the nuclear option; ie. doing something which actually works. The BRIC countries are already embracing this one.

    I prefer 4, as it provides reliable carbon neutral energy with minimal environmental footprint. Density is key, in energy as well as other human endeavors. I refer people to An Ecomodernist Manifesto for the motivations. Those who truly value the environment and prosperity of humans should read that. The end goal is well within reach, but indulging in the "green" fantasy won't lead us there.