As climate change intensifies, some scientists suggest the need for a ‘plan B’ if immediate emissions reductions don’t prove feasible. Research into geoengineering (the large scale intentional manipulation of the climate) has begun, and includes research into technologies that might enable us to cool the planet by shielding some sunlight from the earth, or technologies that might speed up the removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. But research in this area is controversial. Could the very idea of a technological solution take momentum away from the need for emissions reductions? If research continues, might there be a ‘slippery slope’ to eventual deployment? Should we even be contemplating attempting to control nature in this way?

This public debate on geoengineering research will bring leading scientists and campaigners together with members of the public to explore the complex ethical and political questions associated with research on climate engineering, to debate the motion:

‘We need to do more research on geoengineering.’

Speakers:

• Dr Matt Watson (Bristol University)
• Oliver Morton (The Economist)
• Prof. Andy Stirling (Sussex University and co-director of the STEPS Centre)
• Helena Paul (Econexus)

Part of the ESRC Festival of Social Science 2013.

Related project: Climate geoengineering governance