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GC43G-1606 Ethical Considerations for Deploying Geoengineering (GE) Solutions to Mitigate Global Climate Change *James Wang and Iris T

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GC43G-1606 Ethical Considerations for Deploying Geoengineering (GE) Solutions to Mitigate Global Climate Change *James Wang and Iris T GC43G-1606 Ethical Considerations for Deploying Geoengineering (GE) Solutions to Mitigate Global Climate Change *James Wang and Iris T. Stewart-Frey Department of Environmental Studies and Sciences Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, CA, 95053 *undergraduate student Research Question Geoengineering Approaches Ethical Considerations As global CO2 levels have increased past 400 ppm, GE methods to Solar Radiation Carbon Dioxide Removal Enhanced Weather • Moral Hazard – encourage inaction, denial of climate mitigate, or at least dampen, the impact of human-induced climate Management (SRM) (CDR) Modification (EWM) change, or “business-as-usual” mindset change are considered worldwide. While many technical and • Technological Fix – seductive/attractive idea of technology political issues regarding GE remain to be resolved, the ethical Pros • Cools planet fastest • Least risky and uncertain • Increases albedo as the solution and reduces complexity of the issue questions regarding who bears the risks, responsibilities, and • Proven effectiveness • Natural approach • Aids drought adaptation • Lesser of Two Evils – should not be the final option and impacts of GE have yet to be widely discussed. • Addresses source of UV • Easily scalable • Prevents temperature rise urgency has diluted our opinions 1. How do young adults (most likely to be impacted by climate Cons • Technologically-advanced • Long-term approach • Varied levels of success change) view the use of GE technology? Environmental Justice • Expensive to deploy • Potentially less effective • Unsure of scalability 2. What are the ethical aspects of deploying GE technologies • Loss of aesthetic • Ecological impact • Expensive to implement • Climate Colonialism – wealthier countries deploy and how can they guide implementation criteria? • Risk of damage • Unsustainable technologies which can create more harms for poorer 3. How can we mitigate and ensure risks associated with the nations and are privileged to choose what happens deployment of GE will be distributed equitably? What are acceptable GE methods? • Gender Inequality – women are more negatively affected due to lack of financial, educational, migration, or The Need employment opportunities • Presence of world political inertia for accountable action • Future Generations – pushes problem onto those who are • Spatial and temporal ambiguity of climate change effects, not able to speak for themselves • Renewable energy will not be able to solve the issue quickly Who should regulate implementation? and address current issues of present effects Methods • All data is collected from a sample of 96 Santa Clara University students who filled out an in-depth 12-question survey regarding GE technologies, risks, and implementation If there are negative Who should be responsible consequences for GE, do for paying for GE the ends justify the means? solutions? Market - Businesses Nobody/Free Global Entity Government Organization of Scientists Organization United Nations United What are student justifications for • SRM Conclusions potential GE consequences? • CDR * • EWM • While a large number of GE projects are currently • Unclassified underway, the impacts, and ethical and justice implications are not widely discussed. Interactive map prepared by ETC Group and the Heinrich Boell Foundation. • GE is generally viewed positively by young adults (generation that is most likely to experience effects of climate change), yet many are skeptical about risks associated with GE, especially on developing countries • Literature review indicates strong need for review of current GE deployment. GE is too broad a term, and Count different technologies should be considered separately. • Before further implementation, need to establish: • Implementation criteria/acceptable risks • Regulatory body to monitor and enforce • Termination of use • Future research: interviews with venture capitalists, GE businesses, and organizations about implementation and *The effects of GE are unavoidable, and someone will get hurt regardless regulation criteria..
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