klimatstyrning

Klimatstyrning, also known as climate control or climate management, refers to intentional human intervention in the Earth's climate system to counteract or mitigate climate change. This broad field encompasses a range of proposed and theoretical approaches.

One major category within klimatstyrning is solar radiation management (SRM). This involves reflecting a small fraction of sunlight back into space to cool the planet. Methods include stratospheric aerosol injection, where reflective particles are released into the upper atmosphere, or marine cloud brightening, which aims to make clouds more reflective. Another approach is space-based mirrors or sunshades designed to reduce the amount of solar energy reaching Earth.

A second major category is carbon dioxide removal (CDR). This focuses on removing greenhouse gases, primarily carbon dioxide, from the atmosphere. Techniques include afforestation and reforestation, which increase the number of trees that absorb CO2. Other CDR methods involve direct air capture technologies that chemically extract CO2 from the air, or bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS), where biomass is burned for energy and the resulting CO2 is captured and stored. Enhanced weathering, the process of grinding and spreading certain types of rocks that naturally absorb CO2, is another proposed CDR strategy.

The development and potential deployment of klimatstyrning technologies are subjects of ongoing scientific research and ethical debate. Considerations include potential unintended consequences, equitable distribution of risks and benefits, and the governance of such interventions. Many scientists emphasize that these technologies are not a substitute for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but rather a potential complement.