Key Takeaways

• Geoengineering, including Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) and Solar Radiation Management (SRM), is gaining attention amid climate concerns, focusing on existing atmospheric CO₂ and potential cooling methods.
• The IPCC highlights that significant CDR may be necessary to meet climate targets, yet ethical, governance, and economic questions linger.
• India stands at the forefront of geoengineering research but must navigate issues of moral hazard and equitable benefits in a global context.

Geoengineering: Addressing Climate Challenges

Recent discussions at a high-level Workshop organized by NITI Aayog, CSEP, and CEEW explored global perspectives on geoengineering, which encompasses large-scale interventions aimed at addressing climate change. This includes Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) to capture and store CO₂ already in the atmosphere and Solar Radiation Management (SRM) to reflect sunlight and cool the Earth. Unlike post-combustion carbon capture techniques used at smokestacks, CDR specifically targets atmospheric carbon.

Despite the advancements, the topic remains unfamiliar to many, generating questions about its implications and effectiveness. Some critics express ethical concerns about geoengineering, fearing it may encourage an irresponsible reliance on technology rather than direct emissions reductions. They argue that we are already engaged in geoengineering by the extent of fossil fuel consumption, creating a paradox of intervention.

The workshop emphasized that both CDR and SRM are contentious but necessary considerations in the broader framework of mitigating climate change, adaptation, and lowering emissions. The IPCC’s Special Report indicates that achieving the target of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C necessitates a substantial annual CDR investment, illustrating the severity of the challenge at hand.

There are critical concerns regarding moral hazard, particularly whether the existence of CDR might weaken efforts to reduce emissions directly. Experts note that while CDR should serve as an adjunct to mitigation strategies, there is a risk that it could incentivize complacency.

In discussing SRM, the potential risks associated with halting such interventions were highlighted. Experts like Dr. Arunabha Ghosh caution against the termination risks which could lead to unforeseen, rapid climate shifts, ultimately affecting generations that lack a voice in these decisions.

The financial implications of geoengineering, particularly CDR and SRM, were also debated. While these methods may present cost-effective solutions for some high-emission sectors, concerns remain regarding who bears the costs and who benefits. For nations like India, there are questions about whether wealthier countries will contribute to the financing of these technologies, which currently rely on voluntary carbon markets. The fear persists that India could be offering inexpensive offsets to wealthier nations without adequately benefiting local communities or the broader economy.

As global geoengineering efforts are still nascent, India has the opportunity to lead in its scientific research. However, there’s a substantial lack of clarity surrounding the true performance and value of these technologies. Critics warn that even learning more about geoengineering may introduce moral hazards.

Despite risks, a case exists for exploring CDR, especially in the context of stabilizing emissions and achieving net zero goals. The reliance on CDR acknowledges that pure mitigation efforts may not suffice given the urgency of the climate crisis. Additionally, there’s a recognition that reducing reliance on detrimental practices—like emitting sulphur as an unintended geoengineering method—should be prioritized to improve local air quality and public health.

Ultimately, experts agree that while consensus on geoengineering remains elusive, understanding its complexities is essential. As India manages its own unique climate challenges, further investigation into geoengineering may pave the way for informed decisions on whether and how to employ these technologies effectively.

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