What are the ethics surrounding using geoengineering as a way to aid climate change? Analyze the impacts on the environment and the potentially hazardous implications for humans.

Note: Some of these topics have comments defining them so you don't have to do any research; click on topic then on comment to see my definition

Land Based Geoengineering

Ocean Based Geoengineering

Atmospheric Based Geoengineering

Space Based Geoengineering

Note: Some of these topics have comments defining them so you don't have to do any research; click on topic then on comment to see my definition

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Injection of reflective particles into the atmosphere

UK's project to inject salt water aerosol that got suspended due to public unease.

What ethical implications are there for geoengineering land through reforestation as an attempt to mitigate climate change and protect natural resources?

Biochar (also applies to atmospheric geoengineering)

Fertilization to Facilitate Plankton Blooms

The "Great Green Wall" as an example

The Guangxi Watershed Project as an example

Biochar (also applies to land geoengineering)

Glacier Related Geoengineering

Cloud Albedo-Enhancement (AKA cloud brightening)

Geoengineering Ocean Currents

Forcing/enhancing downwelling of ocean currents

Impacts of burning on forest soils

Impacts on air quality

Potentially increases rate of climate change with pollutants emitted

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Potential to reduce temperatures on the planet's surface

Expensive, who will pay

Potential to mitigate global warming (theoretically)

How particles will interact with each other in atmosphere not understood

More reflective clouds reflect more of the sun's light off of the planet, reducing temperature of the surface

Studies have shown that changing cloud color can also cause impacts on the weather in low-land regions

Estimated to reduce rainfall on land

Increase in phytoplankton populations creates a larger carbon sink in the ocean, reducing atmospheric CO2 levels

Can also cause toxic algal blooms

Leading to organism death

Hurts fishing and tourism industries

Harmful to the health of human beings

Russ and George Experiments

Sun Shields

Would have rapid results in mitigating climate change

Newly planted forests function as a carbon sink

Ethical concerns over humans choosing what kinds of trees to plant - how should we choose what plants to plant? Best to survive? Native Species?

Plants could become invasive

Selected plants could introduce more pathogens to the area

Could eliminate local cultures and customs

Creation of jobs