An ad hoc committee will conduct a
technical evaluation of a limited number of proposed geoengineering
techniques, including examples of both solar radiation management (SRM)
and carbon dioxide removal (CDR) techniques, and comment generally on
the potential impacts of deploying these technologies, including
possible environmental, economic, and national security concerns. The
study will:
1. Evaluate what is currently known about the science of several (3-4)
selected example techniques, including potential risks and consequences
(both intended and unintended), such as impacts, or lack thereof, on
ocean acidification,
2. Describe what is known about the viability for implementation of the
proposed techniques including technological and cost considerations,
3. Briefly explain other geoengineering technologies that have been proposed (beyond the selected examples), and
4. Identify future research needed to provide a credible scientific underpinning for future discussions.
The study will also discuss historical examples of related technologies
(e.g., cloud seeding and other weather modification) for lessons that
might be learned about societal reactions, examine what international
agreements exist which may be relevant to the experimental testing or
deployment of geoengineering technologies, and briefly explore potential
societal and ethical considerations related to geoengineering. This
study is intended to provide a careful, clear scientific foundation that
informs ethical, legal, and political discussions surrounding
geoengineering.
The project has support from the National Academy of Sciences, the U.S.
intelligence community, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
The approximate start date for the project is March 2013; a report is
expected be issued in fall 2014.
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