Geo-engineering is the deliberate large-scale intervention in the Earth’s climate system, in order to moderate global warming
Dominionistic value, being associated with mastery and control, is normally associated with dominating over other animals to maximise humans’ benefit. However, I would like to bring up one example that demonstrates humans’ desire for mastery but to resolve environmental problem. That is geo engineering- a attempt to control climate.
Currently, the main conservation effort to recycle, reuse and reduce to decrease human footprint. However, there is no mitigation or any international law to resolve this problem adequately. To add on to that, human population is increasing at exponential rate, making conservation efforts tricky. By the time catastrophic event take place due to global warming, any efforts taken will be too little too late.
Hence, there is a pressure for an alternative solution for our environmental problem. This “Plan B” is geo-engineering, a faster and inexpensive way to save the environment. There are two categories of geo-engineering. First method is carbon dioxide removal technique which is to remove CO2 directly from the atmosphere. Second method is solar radiation management which is to reflect part of the sunlight back into the space.
Though this initiative has good intention, nevertheless it demonstrates humans’ desire for control over almost everything, even if it is the climate that is used to be only within “god’s hand”. The fact is human race is empowered and able to control climate. The question is: do we have the right to change climate? Again, your answer to this question depends on the value you have.
Below is a video given by David Keith on geo engineering.
[ted id=192 lang=en]
http://blog.ted.com/2007/11/13/david_keith/ This link provides the transcript of the video if you prefer to read it.
“This improved science and engineering will, whether we like it or not, give us more and more leverage to affect the planet. To control the planet. To give us weather and climate control, not because we plan it, not because we want it, just because science delivers it to us bit by bit. With better knowledge of the way the system works, and better engineering tools to affect it.” –David Keith
Technology gives us the ability to control. However, should we do so? There are some factors to consider before deciding on implementing this.
Uncertainty
Though the theory about geo engineering is sound, there is no guarantee that it will be successful. In addition, the risk to try it is too huge. The effect of geo engineering is not restricted to small area; it will be a global one. Even if it works, the effect of geo engineering may not be uniform for the whole world. Some may be better off; the rest may be worse off.
Lack of global control
As mentioned in the video, geo engineering creates political and economic problem. The low cost to implementation of such technology creates little barrier for anyone to do so. However, there is no international law to regulate or supervise this technology.
Moral concern
The existence of such technology diminishes the political and social pressure to cut emission by taking real conservation action. This may even speed up the global warming as people thought they could rely solely on this technology. In addition, geo engineering is counteracting the symptoms of global warming rather than the cause of it. By making global warming appear to be less fearsome, people may put in lesser effort for conservation (tackle the cause of global warming) because they no longer perceive it as a threat.
Do we understand nature enough to gain mastery over it? Can we “subdue” nature? I just hope that the result will be favorable to humans.