geopolitical

Research on solar geoengineering

July 12, 2024 By EarthWise Leave a Comment

Ideas for potential technologies that could artificially cool the planet as a countermeasure against global warming have been considered radical and dangerous for a long time. But as climate change continues to become increasingly apparent, ideas like solar geoengineering are gaining increasing attention.

Most environmental organizations are at best skeptical about such ideas and oppose them. Their opposition is in part based on the assertion that there are no quick fixes for climate change and that not addressing its root causes is a dangerous path to take. But an even greater concern is that intentionally manipulating global temperatures is likely to have a host of unintended consequences that could prove disastrous.

One of the world’s largest environmental organizations, the Environmental Defense Fund, has decided to fund research into solar geoengineering. The EDF cautions that is in not in favor of deploying such technology. Its position is that the discussion about ways to cool the planet is not going away and cannot be ignored. The lack of proper research can promote unfounded optimism about such technology So, they are going to fund research that can provide information based on solid, well-formulated science.

A major focus will be what other effects technologies like cloud brightening and injecting aerosols into the atmosphere might have apart from providing cooling.

The EDF’s own position is that deliberate climate interventions present serious ecological, moral, and geopolitical concerns. However, they believe that policymakers need to be informed by the most accurate information possible.

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Environmental Group to Study Effects of Artificially Cooling Earth

Photo, posted February 3, 2008, courtesy of Camilla Cannarsa via Flickr.

Earth Wise is a production of WAMC Northeast Public Radio

Electronic Waste On The Decline | Earth Wise

January 6, 2021 By EarthWise Leave a Comment

A new study published in the Journal of Industrial Ecology has found that the total mass of electronic waste generated by Americans has been declining since 2015. Given that electronic devices are playing an ever-growing role in our lives, this finding seems rather surprising. It also seems like pretty good news, but the underlying facts should dampen our level of enthusiasm.

The main reason for the decline is the disappearance of large, bulky cathode-ray tube televisions and computer monitors. Since about 10 years ago, CRT displays have been on the decline in the waste stream, thereby leading to an overall decline in total e-waste mass.

Many state regulations with respect to e-waste recycling have targets based on product mass. The regulations were typically designed to keep electronics with high levels of lead and mercury out of landfills.

At present, the more pertinent concern is how to recover valuable elements like cobalt (from lithium-ion batteries) and indium (from flat-panel displays). These elements are not so environmentally toxic, but rather are relatively scarce in the earth’s crust.

The main conclusion to be drawn from the declining mass of electronic waste is not that we are necessarily winning the battle against generating it but rather that e-waste is changing and regulations concerning it need to be rethought. Focusing regulations on capturing critical elements not only would have significant economic benefits but also would be important in addressing geopolitical uncertainties that potentially could threaten what could be termed the mineral security of the U.S.

E-waste recycling is regulated at the state level and only half the states have e-waste recycling laws. It may be time for more uniform policies across the country.

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Electronic Waste on the Decline, New Study Finds

Photo, posted January 22, 2013, courtesy of Thorsten Hartmann via Flickr.

Earth Wise is a production of WAMC Northeast Public Radio.

Native Species Or Invasive Species? | Earth Wise

February 27, 2020 By EarthWise Leave a Comment

For decades, conservation biology has characterized the movement of species into new habitats as potential invasions of alien species that pose serious dangers to local ecosystems and resident species. Wild species are classified as either native or alien. But this way of looking at the natural world is becoming increasingly controversial.

As the world warms, a mass exodus of tens of thousands of species is transforming the distribution of biodiversity. Scientists have documented countless species shifting their ranges towards the poles, higher up into the mountains, and deeper into the oceans in response to the changing climate.

Deciduous shrubs have spread into the Arctic tundra. Tropical fish have arrived in the kelp forests of the eastern Mediterranean.

A growing number of scientists now say that continuing to base conservation policy on the native-alien dichotomy may actually endanger biodiversity. The climate-driven range shifts may be the only way for many species to survive. Furthermore, only a small fraction of new arrivals may actually endanger resident species and ecosystems.

There are real distinctions between climate-displaced species and disruptive alien species introduced through global trade and travel. Among other things, climate-displaced species tend to shift their ranges alongside other species they have co-evolved with.

There is talk of establishing a Climate Change Redistribution Treaty that would create a transnational system to manage species shifting across geopolitical and biogeographical borders. The assumptions traditionally made as to which species to protect, which to leave to their own devices, and which to eradicate are no longer valid and the time has come to base conservation policies on the new reality.

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Native Species or Invasive? The Distinction Blurs as the World Warms

Photo, posted March 21, 2011, courtesy of Flickr.

Earth Wise is a production of WAMC Northeast Public Radio.