Geoengineering

In its broadest sense, geoengineering is the attempt by man to modify the global environment by using modern methods such as computer modeling and large-scale projects to bring about change. It is not without its detractors, however, who cite the expense and materials necessary for successfully altering the environment to our own specifications. Another problem lies in the modeling itself. The major problem is that the system we wish to remedy has too many variables and is so dynamic that any result is open to biased interpretation and is based on an arbitrary valuation of a few key values.

The modern push to engineer our way out of nature's calamities probably began with the nuclear age. It was openly advocated in the 1950's that atomic bombs be used for such peaceful activities as the digging of canals. Scientists then postulated that nuclear weapons could be used for climate modification... a well placed bomb in the middle of a hurricane, for example, would save hundreds of lives and millions in property damage if the hurricane was dissipated before landfall.

Fast forward to today.

Engineers are openly discussing mega-scale projects to prevent global warming. These projects include the placement of large orbital mirrors to reflect sunlight, the establishment of huge carbon devouring facilities based on algae pools, as well as mandating climate change through behavioral modification. Politicians further the cause by openly supporting the idea of environmental correction through technology...by increasing tariffs on energy usage and carbon emissions, they drive the development of new processes and shape the marketplace in favor of some ideas at the expense of others. But as it turns out, social engineering goes hand in hand with geoengineering, as the engineering side of the equation allows the social imperative a technological solution.

We are all familiar with the science fiction idea of terraforming. Take a dead planet, build some giant machines to create oxygen, and over the period of several decades turn a rock in space into another Earth. Today, we are embarking on just such a plan, except we aren't doing it to a lifeless rock millions of miles away.

We are doing it here, and even though we can theorize what might work and build the machines necessary to achieve the desired result, we will always have the disconcerting feeling that we possibly should leave well enough alone and just see what happens.