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Millions Fund Solar Geoengineering as Critics Warn of Global Power Imbalances

Billionaires back geoengineering as a quick fix, but critics fear it shifts the burden to future generations and could hinder real climate action.

As we can see in the image there is water, boats, buildings, current poles and sky.
As we can see in the image there is water, boats, buildings, current poles and sky.

Millions Fund Solar Geoengineering as Critics Warn of Global Power Imbalances

Millions of dollars are pouring into solar geoengineering initiatives, largely funded by tech and finance billionaires. This controversial approach to tackling climate change involves modifying Earth's atmosphere to reflect sunlight. However, countries like Vanuatu, on the frontlines of climate crisis, oppose this method. They argue it diverts resources from effective solutions and shifts the burden to future generations.

Advocates of solar geoengineering often frame it as a 'cheap' solution, but critics warn of its potential to amplify global power imbalances. Decisions about its use are likely to be dominated by wealthy countries in the Global North. Moreover, scientists have raised concerns about far-reaching, unintended consequences on climate and weather patterns.

Over 2,000 civil-society organizations and 540 academics have called for an International Non-Use Agreement on Solar Geoengineering. Yet, world leaders' annual climate change conferences have consistently failed to deliver effective mitigation and adaptation solutions. Opponents fear that reliance on geoengineering could provide an excuse for major emitters to avoid ending their fossil-fuel addiction, potentially leading to a 'termination shock' if efforts are halted. It's important to note that solar geoengineering does not address the root causes of climate change and has unpredictable, long-lasting effects.

The debate around solar geoengineering is complex and contentious. While it's framed as a quick fix, critics argue it's a distraction from the real work needed to combat climate change. As world leaders continue to grapple with effective climate solutions, the future of solar geoengineering remains uncertain.

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