Futures

Controversy Surrounds Make Sunsets’ Weather Balloon Geoengineering Efforts in Climate Change Mitigation, (from page 20240922.)

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Summary

Make Sunsets is a small start-up using weather balloons to release sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere to combat climate change by reflecting sunlight. Their method claims to offset significant carbon emissions, akin to planting millions of trees. However, the approach has sparked controversy among scientists and environmentalists, who argue it operates without regulation and undermines responsible geoengineering research. Critics express concerns about potential environmental side effects and the ethics of unregulated interventions. The company’s practices have also raised alarms about the chilling effect on legitimate scientific studies, hindering public engagement and governance efforts in solar geoengineering. While some supporters believe in the viability of the method, the consensus among experts highlights the necessity of careful regulation, collaboration, and international governance to address the complexities of climate intervention strategies.

Signals

name description change 10-year driving-force relevancy
Unregulated Geoengineering Startups Startups like Make Sunsets engage in geoengineering without regulatory oversight. Shift from regulated scientific research to unregulated private sector initiatives. In 10 years, more startups may enter geoengineering without public governance frameworks. Growing urgency to combat climate change, leading to experimental approaches by private companies. 4
Public Concern Over Climate Interventions Increasing public and scientific concern about unregulated geoengineering practices. Change from acceptance of geoengineering to skepticism and demand for regulation. Public pressure may lead to stricter regulations on geoengineering activities worldwide. Heightened awareness of climate change risks and potential unintended consequences of geoengineering. 5
International Governance for Geoengineering Efforts by organizations like the UN to establish governance frameworks for geoengineering. Transition from national to international frameworks for regulating geoengineering. In 10 years, a robust international governance system may be in place for geoengineering. The need for equitable and ethical approaches to global climate interventions. 4
Engagement and Public Participation in Science Growing recognition of the need for public engagement in scientific research. Shift from exclusion of public input in scientific experiments to active engagement. In a decade, public engagement might be standard practice in climate-related research. Recognition that scientific decisions impact communities, necessitating their involvement. 4
Market for Cooling Credits Emergence of a market for credits based on geoengineering efforts like sulfur dioxide injection. Shift from traditional carbon offsets to new forms of geoengineering credits. In 10 years, the market for geoengineering credits could expand significantly, raising ethical concerns. Desire for immediate climate action solutions, creating demand for innovative offset mechanisms. 3

Concerns

name description relevancy
Unregulated Geoengineering Practices Start-ups like Make Sunsets operate outside government frameworks, risking dangerous and uncontrolled climate interventions. 5
Disruption of Responsible Research Rogue companies may hinder legitimate scientific research efforts by creating controversial public perceptions and distrust. 4
Environmental Side Effects of SO2 Injection Injecting sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere could damage the ozone layer and alter weather patterns. 4
Dependency on Ongoing Geoengineering Continuous reliance on geoengineering without understanding the risks may lead to unforeseen environmental disasters post-termination. 5
Corporate Greenwashing Selling cooling credits might mislead the public into believing they are making a significant impact on climate change without real solutions. 4
Lack of Public Engagement in Scientific Processes Limited public discourse on geoengineering could undermine social legitimacy and acceptance of climate technology. 3
Equity Issues in Global Climate Solutions Predominantly Western perspectives on geoengineering ignore the views and needs of those in vulnerable, climate-affected countries. 4
Misleading Marketing Practices Companies selling environmental credits may engage in misleading promotional tactics that exacerbate public confusion about climate actions. 4

Behaviors

name description relevancy
Crowdfunding Climate Solutions Individuals and corporations are purchasing ‘cooling credits’ to support climate modification efforts, indicating a shift towards market-based solutions for environmental issues. 4
Unregulated Geoengineering Initiatives Startups like Make Sunsets are engaging in solar geoengineering without regulatory oversight, raising concerns about the risks and ethical implications of such actions. 5
Public Engagement in Scientific Research The necessity for public engagement and transparency in geoengineering research is increasingly recognized, highlighting the importance of social legitimacy in emerging technologies. 5
International Governance for Climate Technologies There is a growing call for international governance frameworks to regulate solar geoengineering, focusing on equity, ethics, and global consent. 4
Grassroots Awareness and Education Efforts to increase public understanding of geoengineering through education and community engagement are emerging, aiming to bridge knowledge gaps in vulnerable regions. 3
Skepticism Towards Quick Fixes There is a rising skepticism about quick technological fixes for climate change, emphasizing the need for comprehensive understanding and caution in implementation. 5
Integration of Ethics in Science The integration of ethical considerations and social science perspectives into climate technology discussions is gaining importance, calling for a broader view of impacts. 4

Technologies

name description relevancy
Solar Geoengineering Using technology to intentionally alter the Earth’s climate system, primarily through methods like stratospheric aerosol injection. 5
Stratospheric SO2 Injection Injecting sulfur dioxide into the upper atmosphere to reflect sunlight and reduce global warming effects. 5
Cooling Credits Market A market-based approach where companies sell credits for cooling effects achieved through geoengineering methods. 4
Direct Air Capture Technology that captures carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere, aiming for significant reductions in greenhouse gases. 4
Public Engagement in Geoengineering Research Efforts to involve the public and stakeholders in discussions and governance regarding geoengineering projects. 3
International Governance for Solar Radiation Management Establishing global frameworks and policies to manage solar geoengineering practices and their implications. 4
Ethical Frameworks for Climate Intervention Developing ethical guidelines and considerations for implementing geoengineering technologies responsibly. 4
Grassroots Climate Education Increasing public understanding and awareness of geoengineering through community engagement and education. 3

Issues

name description relevancy
Unregulated Solar Geoengineering The rise of unregulated companies like Make Sunsets raises concerns about the implications of solar geoengineering on climate science and public policy. 5
Public Engagement in Geoengineering The need for legitimate public engagement in geoengineering research is crucial for social legitimacy and adherence to international norms. 4
Risks of Termination Shock The potential long-term effects of solar geoengineering, including the risk of abrupt temperature rise if geoengineering efforts stop suddenly. 4
Ethical Considerations in Climate Technology The ethical implications of using technology to manipulate the climate without comprehensive understanding and consent from affected communities. 5
Market for Cooling Credits The emergence of a market for ‘cooling credits’ raises questions about the commercialization of climate interventions and their effectiveness. 4
International Governance of Geoengineering The call for international frameworks for governing geoengineering practices to ensure equity, ethics, and consent. 4
Disruption of Scientific Research The controversial actions of rogue actors disrupt legitimate research efforts and the establishment of governance frameworks in solar geoengineering. 5
Knowledge Gaps in Public Perception There is a significant gap in understanding the perspectives of vulnerable communities in climate geoengineering discussions. 3