Is it necessary to research solar climate engineering as a possible backstop technology?

Abstract

NO: Because it perpetuates the dangerous illusion that a technological fix for climate change is possible Continued research into solar climate engineering is not defensible. Research cannot reveal the full range of physical and sociopolitical impacts of solar climate engineering without full-scale deployment over decade-long timescales. This renders research either a futile distraction or a potentially catastrophic experiment at the planetary scale. Any decisions about research cannot ignore discussions about governance of full-scale deployment. If the deployment of solar climate engineering would seem ungovernable in any desirable sense—as would appear to be the case based on contemporary social and political realities—then the value of continued research is highly questionable. Investing in solar climate engineering research perpetuates the idea that a technological fix for climate change is just around the corner. This is a dangerous illusion.