Ilmastotekniikka

Ilmastotekniikka, often translated as climate engineering or geoengineering, refers to a broad range of large-scale interventions in the Earth's climate system with the aim of counteracting climate change. These proposed techniques generally fall into two main categories: solar radiation management (SRM) and carbon dioxide removal (CDR).

Solar radiation management techniques aim to reduce the amount of sunlight absorbed by the Earth. Examples include stratospheric aerosol injection, where tiny reflective particles would be released into the upper atmosphere to mimic the cooling effect of volcanic eruptions, or marine cloud brightening, which involves spraying sea salt into clouds to make them more reflective. Another approach is space-based mirrors or sunshades.

Carbon dioxide removal techniques focus on removing greenhouse gases, primarily carbon dioxide, from the atmosphere. This can be achieved through methods like afforestation and reforestation, planting large numbers of trees. Other CDR proposals include direct air capture, which uses machines to extract CO2 from the air, or enhanced weathering, which accelerates the natural process of rock erosion to absorb CO2. Bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) is another concept, where biomass is burned for energy, and the resulting CO2 is captured and stored underground.

Research into ilmastotekniikka is ongoing, with significant scientific debate surrounding its potential effectiveness, feasibility, unintended consequences, and ethical implications. While some researchers see it as a potential tool to mitigate the worst effects of climate change, others express concerns about the risks, governance challenges, and the possibility of it diverting attention from emissions reduction efforts.