As concerns about climate change intensify, researchers are exploring the potential for large-scale human intervention in the Earth’s climate system – a set of strategies collectively known as geoengineering. Some of these strategies, called sunlight reflection methods, involve techniques like adding aerosols to the stratosphere to reflect a small portion of solar radiation back into space. Though still in the early stages of research, sunlight reflection and other geoengineering ideas raise complex scientific, ethical, and political questions.

In this eCornell Keynote, three experts from Cornell University delve into what geoengineering is and what it isn’t. Clarifying the science, the panel will separate fact from fiction and discuss why a cautious, transparent, and interdisciplinary approach is essential.

Featuring: 

• Douglas MacMartin (Cornell Engineering/Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering)

• Natalie Mahowald (Cornell Engineering/Earth and Atmospheric Sciences)

• Daniele Visioni (Cornell CALS/Earth and Atmospheric Sciences)

This conversation is part of The 2030 Project: A Cornell Climate Initiative, administered by Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability.