90 likes | 226 Views
Engineering an Artful and Ethical Solution to the Problem of Global Warming. Shane J. Ralston, Ph.D. Pennsylvania State University-Hazleton. The Problem of Global Warming. Vivid evidence Mechanics Government response Geoengineering. Proposed geoengineering projects. Solar shields
E N D
Engineering an Artful and Ethical Solution to the Problem of Global Warming Shane J. Ralston, Ph.D. Pennsylvania State University-Hazleton
The Problem of Global Warming • Vivid evidence • Mechanics • Government response • Geoengineering
Proposed geoengineering projects • Solar shields • Carbon sequestration • Ocean fertilization • Engineered weathering
Proposed geoengineering projects • Stratospheric chemical injection • Launch reflective discs or particles into orbit • Planting forests • Painting rooftops white
Collective Action Problems • Illustration: Kyoto Protocol • 4 types of group interactions/coordinations • Prisoner’s dilemma • Pure conflict • Simple coordination • Unequal coordination • Tragedy of the Commons
Strategies to Address Global Warming • Q: How to convert collective action problems into simple and successful coordinations? • 3 standard strategies • Accommodation • Mitigation • Geoengineering • One more: contraction and convergence
Man versus nature Control versus restraint Present generations versus future generations Global North versus global South Eco-centrism versus anthropocentrism Ethical Quandaries
A Deweyan-Leopoldian Approach Dewey & Artful Inquiry • No quest for certainty • Experimentalism • Method of inquiry • Aesthetic and consummatory • Painstaking research • Instrumentalism • No tool is “off the table” • Geoengineering=one of many tools for addressing GCC Leopold & the Earth Ethic No strict boundary between environment-society Extend moral status to non-human environment Humans are care-takers, not exploiters Land ethic=eco-centric Earth ethics=anthropocentric Exercise restraint in undertaking geoengineering projects
Climate change Manhattan Project? Geoengineering warrants further research Less risky and more feasible options should also be explored Change in perspective Conclusion