The European Union (EU) is actively investigating the feasibility and safety of geoengineering as a potential approach to tackling climate change. This involves exploring technologies designed to modify solar radiation in an attempt to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the atmosphere.
Geoengineering refers to a broad range of techniques aimed at either removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere or altering the Earth’s climate systems. One such technique, solar radiation modification, involves releasing particles into the atmosphere to reflect sunlight and cool the planet.
Vicky Pollard, a policy officer at the EU Commission’s climate action department, stated that the EU is taking a cue from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) which has identified geoengineering as a potential strategy to counter global warming. The EU is currently funding research into solar radiation modification with the aim of understanding its potential benefits and risks.
However, the scientific community remains divided on the viability and safety of geoengineering. A 2021 study conducted by the European Parliament Research Service (EPRS) raised concerns about the potential negative impacts of geoengineering, such as disruptions to precipitation patterns and the ozone layer. Florence Rabier, director-general at the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, cautioned that while solar radiation modification sounds attractive, it’s not a preferred solution and requires extensive investigation due to its potential unknown consequences.
The EU has acknowledged the significant risks associated with geoengineering, including potential power imbalances between nations and ethical concerns. In a joint document on the ‘climate-security nexus’ published in June 2023, the EU Commission and the External Action Service (EEAS) emphasized that geoengineering is not considered a viable solution to climate change in the absence of clear scientific knowledge. They highlighted the potential risks to people and ecosystems, and the possibility of triggering conflicts and exacerbating existing power imbalances.
Despite the uncertainties and concerns, the EU’s research into geoengineering signifies the growing urgency to address climate change. The potential benefits of geoengineering, if successfully and responsibly implemented, could offer a valuable tool in the fight against global warming. However, the risks and unknowns associated with this technology necessitate careful consideration and robust regulation before any large-scale deployment.
