Introduction
In the backdrop of intensifying climate change challenges, the Geoengineering Research Workshop 2025 has emerged as a significant platform for global scientists, policymakers, and climate activists to deliberate on innovative climate intervention technologies. Organized under the aegis of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in collaboration with UNEP, the workshop explored both opportunities and ethical challenges of geoengineering as a possible supplement to conventional mitigation and adaptation strategies.
What is Geoengineering?
Geoengineering refers to large-scale, deliberate interventions in Earth’s natural systems to counteract climate change. It is broadly classified into:
Solar Radiation Management (SRM): Techniques like stratospheric aerosol injection, marine cloud brightening, or space mirrors to reflect sunlight and cool the planet.
Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR): Technologies such as direct air capture, bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS), and ocean fertilization to absorb atmospheric CO₂.
Key Highlights of the Geoengineering Research Workshop
Scientific Deliberations: Researchers discussed feasibility, costs, and risks of deploying geoengineering at scale.
Ethical & Governance Issues: Debate on who controls geoengineering technologies and how to prevent misuse.
Regional Impacts: Concerns over unequal benefits—while SRM may reduce global temperature, it could disrupt monsoons in South Asia or rainfall patterns in Africa.
Policy Recommendations: Establishment of an international regulatory framework to govern research and field trials.
India’s Standpoint: Emphasis on prioritizing mitigation (renewables, afforestation) but keeping geoengineering research as a backup strategy in climate emergencies.
Why is it Important for UPSC?
GS Paper I (Geography): Climate change, environmental hazards, monsoon patterns.
GS Paper II (Governance): International cooperation, environmental treaties, and ethics.
GS Paper III (Environment): Technology, sustainable development, global warming, disaster management.
Essay Paper: “Technology vs Ethics in Climate Change Solutions” or “Should Humanity Play God with Nature?”
Conclusion
The Geoengineering Research Workshop signifies a crucial moment in global climate discourse. While geoengineering is not a silver bullet, it could act as an emergency measure if global warming breaches dangerous thresholds. For India, balancing climate justice, food security, and sustainable growth will remain central in shaping its response to geoengineering debates.