Geoengineering vs. Global Warming
Current Research for the MLA Summer Debate Camp…
TOPIC: Using Geoengineering to Combat Global Warming
Resolved: The use of Geoengineering to combat the effects of Global Warming does more harm than good.
Handout(s): [NA – Possibly Later!]
Potentially Helpful Whiteboard Photo(s): [NA – Possibly Later!]
BACKGROUND:
What Is Geoengineering? (Oxford Geoengineering Program, Oxford University, 2018)
Definition: Geoengineering is the deliberate large-scale intervention in the Earth’s natural systems to counteract climate change. Reducing emissions of greenhouse gases is the safest way to counter climate change. While reducing emissions of greenhouse gases is necessary – indeed essential – it may not be sufficient to maintain a stable climate and healthy oceans.
REQUIRED RESEARCH VIDEOS:
[-] Global Warming: 1 to 6 Degrees (National Geographic, Jan 28, 2008 – 2 min each) <– Pick two (or more) of 6 total.
IMPORTANT: Off to the right side is a list of videos (8 total, but I want you to choose between videos #1-6).
[-] Global Warming – None Like it Hot (An Inconvenient Truth, 2006 – 2 min) <– Humor.
[-] Experiment Earth – Responsible Innovation and Geoengineering (Experiment Earth, Feb 25, 2015 – 2 min)
[-] Five Ways To Save The World (BBC News, December 20, 2008 – 3-to-4 min each) <– Pick three (or more) of 5 total.
IMPORTANT: Off to the right side is a list of 5 videos – please consider watching all five of them!
REQUIRED RESEARCH ARTICLES:
Reaching for the sunshade: July 2030,
The Economist, July 6, 2019 [PDF]
https://www.economist.com/the-world-if/2019/07/06/reaching-for-the-sunshade-july-2030
Finding the Right \”Dose\” for Solar Geoengineering,
Article: Leah Burrows, Harvard University, March 11, 2019
https://www.seas.harvard.edu/news/2019/03/finding-right-dose-for-solar-geoengineering
IMPORTANT: Please consider watching the video too. Thanks!
NOTE: The image blocks the first paragraph (copied here):
\”One of the key misconceptions about solar geoengineering — putting aerosols into the atmosphere to reflect sunlight and reduce global warming — is that it could be used as a fix-all to reverse global warming trends and bring the temperature back to pre-industrial levels.\”
Technology Factsheet Series: Solar Geoengineering,
Technology and Public Purpose Project, Harvard University, 2019
https://geoengineering.environment.harvard.edu/files/sgrp/files/belfer_factsheet_on_solar_geoengineering.pdf
NOTE: Please read pages 1 and 7; the rest can be skimmed to save time and effort.
ADDITIONAL \”OPTIONAL\” RESEARCH ARTICLES & VIDEOS:
Geoengineer the Planet? More Scientists Now Say It Must Be an Option,
Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies, May 29, 2019
https://e360.yale.edu/features/geoengineer-the-planet-more-scientists-now-say-it-must-be-an-option
[Video] Engineering Solar Radiation is a Crazy Idea,
Intelligence Squared, April 18, 2019 [90 min]
https://www.intelligencesquaredus.org/debates/engineering-solar-radiation-crazy-idea
Countries look at ways to tinker with the Earth’s thermostat,
The Economist, March 14, 2019 [PDF]
https://www.economist.com/science-and-technology/2019/03/14/countries-look-at-ways-to-tinker-with-earths-thermostat
Fear of Solar Engineering is Healthy – But Don\’t Distort Our Research,
Dr. David Keith, Harvard University, The Guardian, May 29, 2017
https://geoengineering.environment.harvard.edu/publications/fear-solar-geoengineering-healthy-%E2%80%93-dont-distort-our-research
NOTE: David Keith is a professor of applied physics and professor of public policy at Harvard and author of A Case for Climate Engineering (MIT Press, 2013).
Geoengineering: If all else fails,
The Economist [Special Report], November 26, 2015 [PDF]
https://www.economist.com/special-report/2015/11/26/if-all-else-fails
CONTACT INFORMATION (Coach Bill):
Bill Eddy,
coachbill@magnetacademy.com
714.655.8135 (I prefer text)
When contacting me, please include your name and class information (day/time). Thanks!