More precisely, will "geoengineering" or "climate remediation" be able to reduce carbon dioxide levels in the earth's atmosphere? A new panel of climate experts will investigate.
An 18-member panel of "scientists, former government officials and national security experts" have been assembled into the Task Force on Climate Remediation Research (contains links to press release, video of press conference, and full report). They are researching whether "extreme engineering techniques, which include scattering particles in the air to mimic the cooling effect of volcanoes or stationing orbiting mirrors in space to reflect sunlight" would be effective in reducing CO2 levels.
Members are clear - mitigation of greenhouse gases (GHG) must be the first priority. However, they acknowledge that "in case the climate system reaches a 'tipping point', swift 'remedial action' is required".
"The idea of engineering the planet is 'fundamentally shocking', David Keith, an energy expert at Harvard and the University of Calgary and a member of the panel, said. "It should be shocking."
It is controversial as well as it is rejected by many environmental groups. However, this type of research is well underway in Europe.
FULL STORY: Group Urges Research Into Aggressive Efforts to Fight Climate Change
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
The 120 Year Old Tiny Home Villages That Sheltered San Francisco’s Earthquake Refugees
More than a century ago, San Francisco mobilized to house thousands of residents displaced by the 1906 earthquake. Could their strategy offer a model for the present?
Housing Vouchers as a Key Piece of Houston’s Housing Strategy
The Houston Housing Authority supports 19,000 households through the housing voucher program.
Rural Population Grew Again in 2024
Americans continued to move to smaller towns and cities, resulting in a fourth straight year of growth in rural areas.
Safe Streets Grants: What to Know
This year’s round of Safe Streets for All grant criteria come with some changes.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Clanton & Associates, Inc.
Jessamine County Fiscal Court
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service