Exploring large-scale climate intervention technologies, from solar radiation management to carbon dioxide removal. Understanding the science, risks, and potential of planetary-scale environmental engineering.
Atmospheric reflectivity enhancement
Direct air capture & storage
Marine ecosystem enhancement
Cloud seeding & precipitation
As climate change accelerates, geoengineering research has expanded rapidly, with increasing investment in both mitigation and adaptation technologies.
"Geoengineering represents both our greatest hope and our greatest risk in addressing climate change." - IPCC Report 2023
Geoengineering encompasses large-scale technological interventions designed to counteract climate change. Research spans theoretical modeling, small-scale experiments, and ethical frameworks.
Reflecting sunlight to cool Earth
SRM technologies aim to increase Earth's reflectivity (albedo) to reduce incoming solar radiation. These approaches could theoretically cool the planet relatively quickly but don't address ocean acidification.
Releasing reflective particles into the upper atmosphere
Enhancing cloud reflectivity over oceans
Large mirrors or shields positioned in space
Extracting CO₂ from atmosphere
CDR technologies remove CO₂ directly from the atmosphere and store it permanently. These approaches address root causes of climate change but typically work more slowly than SRM.
Industrial facilities that capture CO₂ from ambient air
Accelerating natural rock weathering processes
Increasing ocean's capacity to absorb CO₂
First systematic cloud seeding programs begin
National Academy of Sciences first major geoengineering assessment
Paul Crutzen's paper brings SRM into mainstream climate discourse
Increased focus on negative emission technologies
Major investments in CDR and SRM research programs worldwide
Exploring the specific technologies, their mechanisms, current research status, and potential for deployment.
Inject reflective particles (sulfur dioxide) into the stratosphere to mimic volcanic cooling effects.
Industrial facilities using chemical processes to capture CO₂ directly from ambient air.
Spray sea salt particles into marine clouds to increase their reflectivity and cooling effect.
Accelerate natural rock weathering by spreading crushed silicate minerals on agricultural land.
Add alkaline materials to seawater to increase ocean's CO₂ absorption capacity and reduce acidification.
Bioenergy + Carbon Capture
Generate energy from biomass while capturing and storing the CO₂ emissions, creating net negative emissions.
| Technology | Speed | Cost | Risk Level | Permanence | Readiness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stratospheric Aerosol Injection | |||||
| Direct Air Capture | |||||
| Marine Cloud Brightening | |||||
| Enhanced Weathering |
Major universities, research centers, and organizations advancing our understanding of climate engineering technologies.
Solar Geoengineering Research Program
Leading research on solar radiation management, modeling, and governance frameworks.
Geoengineering Programme
Interdisciplinary research on climate engineering ethics, governance, and technology assessment.
Climate Geoengineering Governance
Focus on international governance frameworks and ethical considerations.
Climate & Geoengineering Research
Technology development and systems analysis for climate interventions.
Earth System Research Lab
Atmospheric monitoring and climate impact assessment of geoengineering.
Climate Engineering Research Governance
International network addressing governance of climate engineering research.
Addressing the complex governance, ethical, and legal challenges surrounding geoengineering research and potential deployment.
Climate engineering affects global systems, requiring unprecedented international cooperation and governance frameworks.
Who has the right to alter the global climate? How do we ensure equitable representation in decision-making?
Risk that geoengineering research may reduce incentives for emissions reduction and mitigation efforts.
Some technologies (like SRM) require continuous operation - stopping suddenly could cause rapid warming.
Avoid actions with potentially catastrophic consequences, even under uncertainty.
Consider impacts on future generations and their right to inherit an unmanipulated climate system.
Ensure benefits and risks are fairly distributed across regions and populations.
Include affected communities in decision-making processes about climate interventions.
Essential reading for understanding the current state of geoengineering science, technology, and governance.
Working Group III, Chapter 12
Comprehensive assessment of carbon dioxide removal and solar radiation modification in climate policy.
National Academy of Sciences
Detailed technical assessments of CDR and SRM technologies, research priorities, and governance needs.
Nature, Science, Climate journals
Latest peer-reviewed research on geoengineering technologies, impacts, and governance frameworks.
Carnegie Climate Governance
Governance-focused research on international frameworks and policy development for climate interventions.
MIT Tech Review, Others
Technology-focused analysis of geoengineering developments, startup companies, and deployment timelines.
Climate modeling tools
Climate models, simulation tools, and databases for geoengineering impact assessment and research.
Key developments, milestones, and decisions expected to shape the future of climate engineering research and potential deployment.
Carefully controlled outdoor experiments to test SRM and CDR technologies in real-world conditions.
Enhanced modeling capabilities to better predict regional and global impacts of geoengineering.
Development of international agreements and governance structures for research and potential deployment.
Massive deployment of carbon removal technologies to achieve gigaton-scale CO₂ removal annually.
When does research cross the line into deployment? How do we maintain the distinction?
Will nations cooperate on governance or proceed unilaterally with geoengineering programs?
How will public opinion shape research priorities and deployment decisions?
Could extreme climate events accelerate geoengineering deployment timelines?
"The question is not whether we will research geoengineering, but whether we will do so responsibly, with appropriate governance, transparency, and consideration for global justice."— Climate Policy Expert, 2024
Geoengineering research is rapidly evolving. Follow the latest developments in climate engineering science, policy, and governance.