1. Essay Abstract
2. Introduction
3. Geoengineering: What is it?
4. Environmental Issues & Science
5. Human Impact
6. Ethical & Justice Issues
7. Conclusion
8. Bibliography
Geoengineering: A global issue
Essay Abstract Geoengineering is a set of new technologies which aim to change the environment in human favour. Considering the technology is nascent, the morality, ethics, technological knowhow and the human impact are all uncertain as they relate to geoengineering. This paper argues that on these grounds, the geoengineering issue should be a global issue. Local governments fail to implement this technology effectively. The subsidiarity test should be passed when it relates to the geoengineering issue.
Introduction With rising CO2 levels, changing weather patterns and an ever increasing intensity of weather events, governments and environmental groups are trying to address the global warming issue. There are many theories on how to deal with climate change; from a reduction in pollution to carbon capture. Geoengineering is a relatively new idea in the field of science which “describes this array of technologies that aim, through large-scale and deliberate modifications of the Earth’s energy balance, to reduce temperatures and counteract anthropogenic climate change.” (Bracmort et all., 2011: 1) The vast majority of technology is nascent and at a theoretical stage but it has the potential to affect populations and climate on a global scale. (Bracmort et all., 2011: 1) Any issue that has the ability to instigate social, environmental and political change on a global basis should consequently pass a subsidiarity test. Subsidiarity as defined by the Oxford English dictionary states that “specifically the principle that central authority should have a subsidiary function, performing only those tasks which cannot be performed effectively at a more immediate or local level.” (Peterson, no year: 117) This paper will try to show that
Bibliography: Bracmort, Kelsi et all. 2011. “Geoengineering: Governance and Technology Policy”. In CRS Report for Congress. (ed. 7-5700, 2011) (Washington: Congressional Research Service) : 1 Peterson, John. “Subsidiarity: A Definition to Suit Any Vision?”. Oxford University Press: 117 Bracmort, Kelsi et all. 2011. “Geoengineering: Governance and Technology Policy”. In CRS Report for Congress. (ed. 7-5700, 2011) (Washington: Congressional Research Service) : 9 Goodell, Jeff. 2010. How to Cool the Planet. (New York: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.) Dessler, Andrew. 2006. The science and politics of global climate change : a guide to the debate. (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press) Brown, R. Lester. 2009. “Could Food Shortages bring down Civilization?”. Scientific America. May 2009: 50) Diamond, Jared. 2005. Diamond, Jared. 2005. Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed. (New York: Penguin Group) Elliott, Lorraine. 2004. The Global Politics of the Environment. (New York: New York University Press) Thompson, J, Michael. 2010 Geo-Engineering Climate Change: Environmental Necessity or Pandora 's Box? (Cambridge: Oxford University Press) Note that the references from text regarding Schneider, Lovelock and Breeze are all from within Thomson’s work as his book is a collection of full works.