What is geoengineering and how can it be used to combat climate change?

Geoengineering refers to deliberate and large-scale interventions in the Earth's climate system to mitigate climate change. There are two broad categories of geoengineering: carbon dioxide removal (CDR) and solar radiation management (SRM).

CDR aims to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through methods such as afforestation, ocean fertilization, direct air capture, and enhanced weathering. These methods are designed to reduce the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and slow down the rate of global warming.

SRM aims to reflect some of the sun's energy back into space or reduce the amount of solar radiation that reaches the Earth's surface. Some proposed SRM methods include stratospheric aerosol injection, marine cloud brightening, and space-based reflectors. These methods are intended to cool the Earth's surface and counteract the effects of global warming.

While geoengineering has the potential to help combat climate change, it also carries risks and uncertainties. For example, some CDR methods may have negative environmental impacts, and SRM methods could have unforeseen consequences for weather patterns and ecosystems. It is therefore important to conduct research and carefully evaluate the potential benefits and risks of different geoengineering strategies before implementing them.