Geoengineering: A critique

Abstract

The Royal Society report on geoengineering is one of the most important documents concerning climate change of recent years. Its ninety-three pages provide a clear, well-written, thoroughly researched and referenced, and authoritative overview of the various techniques that have been proposed for manipulating the climate and artificially cooling the planet. The report summarizes the science and technology of each technique, and conveniently brings together the best current estimates of their costs, risks, and effectiveness, enabling an informed comparison to be made. Throughout the report the authors display a detailed and comprehensive understanding of the science and policy issues they describe, while also highlighting the many aspects of current knowledge which are uncertain, and where estimates or conclusions must be treated as preliminary, or with a pinch of salt. All in all, it makes for a very attractive mix of explanation and critical analysis. Combined with the fine writing style and pleasant layout, the reader is painlessly and quickly brought up to speed on this radical, but increasingly important topic. The report is certain to take a central place in future policy debates, and quite rightly so. Nevertheless, its conclusions and recommendations do not entirely reflect the data upon which they rest.