Geoengineering Studies—Plans B and C for Climate Change—Endorsed

The New York Times science writer examines the findings of the National Academy of Sciences panel released Feb. 10 that support further research on the two geoengineering strategies of carbon dioxide removal and solar radiation management.

2 minute read

February 14, 2015, 5:00 AM PST

By Irvin Dawid


The endorsement from the prestigious National Academies of Sciences, a division of the National Research Council, is a significant step as the strategies are viewed as controversial and opposed by some environmental groups.

"Almost all of the [geoengineering] research has been done on computers, simulating the effects of the technique on the climate," writes Henry Fountain. "The panel said the research could include small-scale outdoor experiments, which many scientists say are necessary to better understand whether and how geoengineering would work."

The only previous attempt at conducting "an outdoor test of some of the engineering concepts", i.e., outside a computer lab, occurred in Britain in 2011. "It provoked a public outcry. The experiment was eventually canceled," writes Fountain.

While Plan A remains reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the panel said, "It may be prudent to examine additional options for limiting the risks from climate change.”

“The committee felt that the need for information at this point outweighs the need for shoving this topic under the rug,” Marcia K. McNutt, chairwoman of the panel and the editor in chief of the journal Science, said at a news conference in Washington.

The Two Geoengineering Strategies:

  • Carbon dioxide removal: Low risk but expensive. "But the group said research was needed to develop efficient and effective methods to both remove the gas and store it so it remains out of the atmosphere indefinitely."

While Fountain doesn't elaborate on this process, just two days earlier he wrote about a $10 million carbon capture and storage project in Iceland.

  • Solar radiation management: Far more controversial, may "have unintended effects on weather patterns around the world" but inexpensive. "Most discussions of the concept focus on the idea of dispersing sulfates or other chemicals high in the atmosphere, where they would reflect sunlight, in some ways mimicking the effect of a large volcanic eruption.

Last year the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in its Fifth Assessment Report acknowledged that geoengineering may have a role in climate change mitigation strategies, as has the UK Royal Society in 2009.

The NAS panel was "supported by NASA and other federal agencies, including what the reports described as the 'U.S. intelligence community'," writes Fountain—posted here by Planetizen in 2013.

Friday, February 13, 2015 in The New York Times - Science

View form second story inside Southdale Mall in Edina, Minnesota with escalators and model cars parked on downstairs floor.

The Mall Is Dead — Long Live the Mall

The American shopping mall may be closer to its original vision than ever.

March 21, 2024 - Governing

View of Austin, Texas skyline with river in foreground during morning golden hour.

The Paradox of American Housing

How the tension between housing as an asset and as an essential good keeps the supply inadequate and costs high.

March 26, 2024 - The Atlantic

Houston, Texas skyline.

Report: Las Vegas, Houston Top List of Least Affordable Cities

The report assesses the availability of affordable rental units for low-income households.

March 22, 2024 - Urban Edge

Aerial view of Anchorage, Alaska downtown with mountains in background at golden hour.

Anchorage Leaders Debate Zoning Reform Plan

Last year, the city produced the fewest new housing units in a decade.

March 28 - Anchorage Daily News

Young man in wheelchair crossing zebra crosswalk.

How to Protect Pedestrians With Disabilities

Public agencies don’t track traffic deaths and injuries involving disabled people, leaving a gap in data to guide safety interventions.

March 28 - Governing

Aerial view of mountain town of Steamboat Springs, Colorado in the winter with snow at dusk.

Colorado Town Fills Workforce Housing Need With ‘Dorm-Style’ Housing

Median rent in Steamboat Springs is $4,000 per month.

March 28 - CBS News

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Call for Speakers

Mpact Transit + Community

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.