Saturday, October 25, 2025
More

    Top 6 This Week

    popular+

    Costly geoengineering schemes could stall real solutions

    Sharing is SO MUCH APPRECIATED!

    By David Suzuki

    Because the fossil fuel industry and its supporters have done everything they can to stall needed solutions to the climate crisis, some people say we must now engineer our way out of the mess we created. Many are promoting schemes that block sunlight from reaching Earth, reflect more of it back into space or absorb carbon from the atmosphere.

    Have we really reached that point? Would blocking sunlight by putting reflective particles such as toxic sulphur dioxide into the upper atmosphere cool the planet? Or spraying seawater into the lower atmosphere to increase reflective cloud cover? How about thickening ice with pumped seawater? Building massive machines to suck carbon from the air?

    What are the risks? What would be the unintended consequences?

    United Kingdom government office, the Advanced Research and Invention Agency, is spending £56.8 million (about C$106 million) to explore some of these “climate cooling approaches” or “climate interventions.”

    ARIA points out that “climate tipping points — abrupt changes in the Earth system that, if crossed, could have devastating and essentially irreversible consequences” are “distinctly possible over the next century.”

    It notes, however, that, “There is no substitute for decarbonisation, which is the only sustainable way to lower the chances of such tipping points and their effects from occurring.”

    Many scientists worry that these geoengineering plans are an expensive distraction from the need to cut emissions and that they could have severe unforeseen and undesirable environmental consequences.

    As the Guardian reports, the Arctic and Antarctic are heating much faster than the rest of the planet, which has focused attention on ways to cool the poles. Melting ice exposes more dark land and water, which absorb solar radiation rather than reflecting it. Proposals include increasing ice cover by pumping seawater onto it or scattering glass beads onto the ice to reflect more sunlight.

    New research published in Frontiers in Science suggests that methods being considered for polar regions are flawed and only treat the symptoms and not the causes of global heating.

    “These geoengineering proposals are unimaginably expensive and risky for fragile polar environments,” said University of Massachusetts Amherst professor Rob DeConto, one of 42 scientists behind the analysis. “They also detract attention from the root cause of the climate crisis — the unabated burning of fossil fuels, something we know how to begin addressing using established technologies.”

    The researchers conclude that money and effort would be put to better use in reducing the emissions that are the primary cause of global heating.

    “We’re hopeful that we can eliminate emissions by 2050,” University of Exeter professor Martin Siegert, who led the analysis, said. “Anything that drifts us away from doing that will make the world less safe and less habitable.”

    The Guardian reports that, in reviewing polar geoengineering schemes, researchers examined six criteria: “effectiveness, cost, scale and time issues, environment risks, governance challenges and the risk of raising false hopes.” The plans failed on all counts.

    The researchers point out that methods such as pumping seawater onto polar ice and scattering tiny glass beads onto the ice are, respectively, “technologically, logistically and financially unrealistic” and “could be toxic to wildlife.”

    Some are clearly designed to allow the destructive fossil fuel industry to keep operating. In Canada, the government has just announced plans for a costly “carbon capture, utilization and storage” project in the Alberta oilsands, hyping the plan as a way to “support a strong conventional energy sector while driving down emissions and emissions intensity.” But they just count production emissions, which are only a fraction of the deadly emissions from burning the fuels.

    Cost for renewable energy and storage have plummeted, making these technologies far more cost-effective than fossil fuels — and they’re more efficient.

    There’s no good reason to keep the polluting, climate-altering fossil fuel industry going, other than to put more money into the pockets of oligarchs and shareholders and give governments easy ways to make the economy appear healthy over the short term, while putting everyone’s health and survival at risk.

    We may well be at the point where we have to consider drastic measures to reduce greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, but it shouldn’t be at the expense of going all out on solutions that have already proven to be effective.

    David Suzuki is a scientist, broadcaster, author and co-founder of the David Suzuki Foundation. Written with David Suzuki Foundation Senior Writer and Editor Ian Hanington.

    Learn more at davidsuzuki.org.

    REFERENCES:

    United Kingdom government office:

    https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/may/07/real-world-geoengineering-experiments-revealed-by-uk-agency

    ARIA points out:

    https://www.aria.org.uk/opportunity-spaces/future-proofing-our-climate-and-weather/exploring-climate-cooling

    Geoengineering plans are an expensive distraction:

    https://davidsuzuki.org/story/the-promises-and-perils-of-geoengineering

    The Guardian reports:

    https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/sep/09/polar-geoengineering-branded-dangerous-and-unimaginably-expensive

    New research:

    https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/science/articles/10.3389/fsci.2025.1527393/full

    Martin Siegert, who led the analysis, said:

    Government has just announced plans:

    https://www.canada.ca/en/one-canadian-economy/news/2025/09/major-projects-office-of-canada-initial-projects-under-consideration.html

    More cost-effective than fossil fuels:

    https://www.irena.org/News/pressreleases/2025/Jul/91-Percent-of-New-Renewable-Projects-Now-Cheaper-Than-Fossil-Fuels-Alternatives

    Polluting, climate-altering fossil fuel industry:

    https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/sep/10/link-oil-giants-heatwaves-research-legal-liability

    Sharing is SO MUCH APPRECIATED!

    Popular Articles

    GEORGIANBAYNEWS.COM

    Popular Articles

    Local CFL Legend Rudy Florio attends Grey Cup Reunion: 1974

    Thank you to Susanne Mikler for sharing this with us! It’s the 50th anniversary of the Montreal Alouettes Grey Cup win in 1974. The team...

    Canada is not an economic basket case

    By David Suzuki In 1987, Canada was caught up in a debate over a free trade agreement with the United States. Economist John Crispo, an outspoken...

    Frankie Malloy introduces Dedicated Dog Walking | A Regional Favourite

    Dedicated Dog Walking takes a different approach Taking pride in building the most authentic relationship with each pup to yield their greatest potential when training...

    John Bolton on what Trump might want from Canada

    John Bolton was once one of Donald Trump's closest advisers. And to deal effectively with the new American president, Bolton warns Canada should not...

    5 Things That Will Happen To E-Bikes In 2025!

    My book "DIY Lithium Batteries" on sale at http://amzn.to/2jbxvzS My book "Ultimate DIY eBike Guide" on sale at: http://amzn.to/2BGx4Fn https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMB_P9coVF8 Quick correction: Oh Wow Cycles...

    AI and the paradox of trust | Yuval Noah Harari

    Countries and companies are racing to build better and better AI models, with greater and greater capabilities. When asked whether they should proceed more...

    The Collingwood School of Music Shines @ Our Summer of 25 Collingwood Art Crawl

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KsCKepYgq1Y&feature=youtu.be https://youtu.be/dIvcM2AJFOI https://youtu.be/vakGQmbikXU https://youtu.be/FkFuegbwluA Sign up your rising star at http://www.collingwoodschoolofmusic.com

    Fracked LNG is a washed-out bridge to nowhere

    By David Suzuki In 2011, the David Suzuki Foundation and the Pembina Institute released a report analyzing whether “natural” gas could be considered a “bridging fuel” during...

    Kara Swisher has theory on why Musk is hiring young men to work at DOGE

    Global editorial director at WIRED Katie Drummond and CNN contributor Kara Swisher join Erin Burnett to discuss WIRED reporting on Elon Musk’s hiring at...

    VIDEO | 50 Things Only Those Who Grew Up in the 1970s Remember

    Growing up in the 1970s was an experience like no other. From funky fashion trends to unforgettable toys and TV shows, it was a...

    Mercedes Chan shares AI News: OpenAI Dropping Tomorrow! Midjourney V7, and More!

    Join My Newsletter for Regular AI Updates 👇🏼 https://forwardfuture.ai https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwp4Ucm8aQo 👉🏻 Subscribe:    / @matthew_berman   👉🏻 Twitter:   / matthewberman   👉🏻 Discord:   / discord   👉🏻 Patreon:   / matthewberman   👉🏻 Instagram:   / matthewberman_ai   👉🏻...

    The Tariff War’s Toll on Dollar Stores – How Long Until the Shelves Run Dry?

    The ongoing tariff war has cast a long shadow over the global economy, but few sectors feel its weight as acutely as dollar stores....

    TRAFFIC STOP LEADS TO INPAIRED DRIVING CHARGES

    (SPRINGWATER TOWNSHIP, ON) - The Huronia West Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged an individual with impaired driving related charges. On January 15,...

    This Blue Angels Cockpit Video is Terrifying and Amazing

    The U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels flight demonstration squadron demonstrates skill on such a high level it seems almost supernatural. To say that such aerobatics...

    OPP Marine Report Reminds Boaters to Check Safety Gear and Leave the Liquor Behind

    (MIDLAND, On)- Members of the marine unit attached to the Southern Georgian Bay OPP Detachment have been out on patrol along with many others trying to enjoy...

    GPT-5 Will Make GPT-4o Look Like a Toddler’s Toy!

    The potential of GPT-5, while speculative, promises to herald significant advancements in natural language processing and artificial intelligence. Building upon the capabilities of its...

    Collingwood Blues Tailgate CELEBRATION Party | The Legion | 10 am, Saturday

    ATTENTION BLUES COUNTRY... With the threat of bad weather on Saturday afternoon. The BBQ Tailgate Time has been nudged ahead to start at 10 am running...

    Yonnhe’ón:we Springs Forward Celebrating Indigenous Arts

    The series is curated and hosted by the Town’s Poet Laureate, Jillian Morris, and continues her commitment to bringing contemporary Indigenous storytelling to Collingwood. Collingwood,...

    VIDEOS | Holiday Treats from Frankie – Club Foody

    Special thanks to our friend, Frankie... for these great shares! clubfoody.com is about combining fresh ingredients, herbs and spices, to create a variety of flavorful...

    Aly Smalls shares “Must Visit Places in Nova Scotia” (Canada’s most beautiful place?)

    In this Nova Scotia travel guide, we showcase the best of where to go and what to see and do in this beautiful part...

    Exploring Amalfi & Discovering a Secret Trail to Atrani | Italy 4K

    Welcome to a breathtaking walking tour through the stunning streets of Amalfi, one of the most beautiful coastal towns in Italy! But this isn’t...

    COLLINGWOOD MUSIC FESTIVAL Inaugural Performance! The Toronto Concert Orchestra

    Event by Collingwood Music Festival; AD, Toronto Concert Orchestra and Daniel Vnukowski Inspired by the open-air celebrations of classical music made popular by the Dutch superstar violinist Andre...

    Holy Moley shares The Origins and Evolution of Valentine’s Day

    Valentine's Day emerged from ancient Roman traditions and Christian commemorations, ultimately transforming into a global celebration of romantic love. The holiday's roots trace back...

    Some Mariners Still Seem To Forget The Primary Drowning Prevention Piece of Equipment Over The August Long Weekend

    Lifejackets A Must For Every Vessel Occupant (MIDLAND, On)-  The marine unit attached to the Southern Georgian Bay Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police continued to find mariners over the...