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Author(s): Russell LM, Rasch PJ, Mace GM, Jackson RB, Shepherd JG, Liss PS, Leinen MS, Schimel D, Vaughan NE, Janetos AC, Boyd PW, Norby RJ, Caldeira K, Merikanto J, Artaxo P, Melillo J, Morgan MG
Published: March, 2012
Publisher: Ambio
DOI: 10.1007/s13280-012-0258-5
Tags: Research, Biodiversity
URL: http://www.springerlink.com/content/u562q0218461k416/
Abstract: Geoengineering methods are intended to reduce climate change, which is already having demonstrable effects on ecosystem structure and functioning in some regions. Two types of geoengineering activities that have been proposed are: carbon dioxide (CO(2)) removal (CDR), which removes CO(2) from the atmosphere, and solar radiation management (SRM, or sunlight reflection methods), which reflects a small percentage of sunlight back into space to offset warming from greenhouse gases (GHGs). Current research suggests that SRM or CDR might diminish the impacts of climate change on ecosystems by reducing changes in temperature and precipitation. However, sudden cessation of SRM would exacerbate the climate effects on ecosystems, and some CDR might interfere with oceanic and terrestrial ecosystem processes. The many risks and uncertainties associated with these new kinds of purposeful perturbations to the Earth system are not well understood and require cautious and comprehensive research.
Author(s): Robock A, Caldeira K, Whaley D, Leinen MS, Wigley TML
Published: August, 2008
Publisher: Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists
URL: http://thebulletin.org/web-edition/roundtables/has-the-time-come-geoengineering
Abstract: Scientists have long studied and debated the promises and perils of deliberately influencing Earth's weather and climate systems. But today, faced with ever more pessimistic predictions about the pace of global warming and the irrevocable damage it could do to the planet, some are talking seriously about implementing theoretical geoengineering schemes such as blocking the sun as an emergency response. In "20 Reasons Why Geoengineering May Be a Bad Idea" PDF (May/June 2008 Bulletin), Alan Robock raises a host of scientific, social, and ethical issues posed by geoengineering. Below, Robock and his four fellow discussants debate how to weigh geoengineering’s potential benefits against its negative consequences.
Author(s): Leinen MS
Published: July, 2008
Publisher: Marine Ecology Progress Series
DOI: 10.3354/meps07546
Tags: Ocean Fertilization, Research
URL: http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v364/p251-256/
Abstract: The potential use of ocean iron fertilization (OIF) as a tool for either carbon reduction projects like those used to generate carbon credits or offsets, or for larger-scale mitigation to remove a significant percentage of CO2 from the atmosphere has interested the private sector. Scientists have highlighted the additional research that must be completed to understand the efficacy and impact of OIF at either scale. Carbon markets also place requirements on the nature of the credits generated if they are to be trusted and valued. The challenge for the future is to find effective ways for the science, business and carbon market communities to collaborate in ways that adhere to the high standards of scientific research. A code of conduct that recognizes the needs for scientific excellence and transparency, carbon market quality controls, and regulatory requirements like permitting can facilitate collaboration.
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