A recent report, powerfully entitled ‘Geopiracy’, has been published that gives an interesting insight of some of the obstacles that face geoengineering proponents (ETC Group, 2010)
Can’t be sufficiently tested -
Cannot be experimented with at an extent to show a significant impact whilst not risking the possible negative effects that might occur through large scale deployment
Violation of treaties -
The UN Environmental Modification Treaty states that the use of environmental modification for hostile action is not permitted
Unilateral -
Geoengineering is a hugely expensive business which can put it out of the reach of small, less developed countries. However, those more wealthy countries (and in some cases, individuals) will be able to put into place their own schemes to suit their needs. How can we govern this on a global scale?
Commodification of Climate -
Should any one individual or company own a patent for the the climate possible climate fix? This owner might purely wish to profit by their actions and are unlikely to have to best wishes of the planet at heart. Again, global treaties would need to be signed to govern this.
An excuse -
Lastly, but believed by many to be the most important critique of geoengineering is that it provides an excuse for governments not to reduce emissions. This in the long term could have devastating effects on the environment
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