Ethical Considerations for Deploying Geoengineering Solutions to Global Climate Change

As global CO₂ levels have increased past 400 ppm, geoengineering (GE) methods are considered to mitigate, or at least dampen, the impact of human-induced climate change. While many technical and political issues regarding GE still need to be resolved, the ethical questions regarding who bears the risks, responsibilities, and impacts of GE have not yet been widely discussed. This paper analyzes GE as a social and environmental justice issue, focusing particularly on its potential as a technological fix impacting the socioeconomically disadvantaged and future generations. Before further discussion of possible research and deployment of GE technology, it is essential to determine acceptable risks, if such a criterion does exist, and how this risk is distributed equitably. The need to monitor and set baselines remains a crucial factor for deployment of GE technology, especially in relation to a moral obligation towards the most vulnerable populations. Analyses of expert opinions from research, GE start-ups, and venture capitalists, as well as surveys of public reception present the bulk of the argument. Interestingly, while there are disparities in the impact of GE, the environmental and societal impact from climate change is much more severe, so we suggest that GE, especially carbon removal technologies, should be employed now, as an emergency solution. A focus on changing human behavior and mindset may prove to be as important as a reliance on technology to remove excess carbon from the atmosphere, but at the moment, it is essential that a united coalition of countries oversee this execution to ensure that all needs are addressed, if and possibly when deployment begins.