Back to OurEnergyLibrary search




Ethical Framework Principles for Climate Intervention Research

Ethical Framework Principles for Climate Intervention Research

Full Title: Ethical Framework Principles for Climate Intervention Research
Author(s): American Geophysical Union
Publisher(s): American Geophysical Union
Publication Date: October 29, 2024
Full Text: Download Resource
Description (excerpt):

Climate intervention, also known as geoengineering or climate engineering, is the deliberate large-scale intervention in Earth’s climate system to counteract global warming. Climate intervention includes primarily carbon dioxide removal (CDR) techniques, which address the root cause of climate change by removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and solar radiation modification (SRM) techniques, which offset the effects of greenhouse gas concentrations by preventing Earth from absorbing as much solar radiation.

The urgency to address climate change has led to rapidly growing interest in climate intervention research. However, both CDR and SRM techniques, as well as other methods, present opportunities and risks and thus require additional governance and ethical frameworks at local, regional, and global levels.

The American Geophysical Union (AGU), the world’s largest association of Earth and space scientists, takes the position that a robust body of scientific evidence about climate intervention, guided by an ethical framework, should be consulted as society weighs its options for addressing climate change. Therefore, AGU has facilitated the development of this Ethical Framework for Climate Intervention Research.

All statements and/or propositions in discussion prompts are meant exclusively to stimulate discussion and do not represent the views of OurEnergyPolicy.org, its Partners, Topic Directors or Experts, nor of any individual or organization. Comments by and opinions of Expert participants are their own.

Sign up for our Press Release Distribution List

    Your Name (required)

    Your Email (required)

    Please sign me up to receive press releases from OurEnergyPolicy.org.