Abstract:

As concern over climate change spreads, radical ideas are in the air. If cuts in greenhouse gas emissions fall short, some have proposed dimming the sun by reflecting sunlight directly back to space or by making marine clouds brighter. These and other proposed technical fixes often overlook the political, ethical, and social consequences of intervening in the climate system. This presentation examines the long and checkered history of weather and climate control and asks, What could possibly go wrong when “fixing the sky” becomes a dangerous experiment with our future? How can science students and professionals benefit from studying the history of their chosen field?