Actually, biogeoenineering as described in this fascinating article: http://www.sciencemag.org/content/339/6127/1618.abstract
and in the media here: http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2013/03/fairy-circle-termites/ http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/29/science/fairy-circles-in-africa-may-be-work-of-termites.html Building on the termite's (and beaver's) successes, could humans then also safely and sustainably geoengineer their environment? Greg ________________________________ From: Andrew Lockley <andrew.lock...@gmail.com> To: geoengineering <geoengineering@googlegroups.com> Sent: Sun, April 7, 2013 12:01:21 PM Subject: [geo] Dealing with the uncertainties of climate engineering: Warnings from a psychological complex problem solving perspective D. Amelung, J. Funke https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160791X13000110 Dealing with the uncertainties of climate engineering: Warnings from a psychological complex problem solving perspective Dorothee Amelung, , Joachim Funke Department of Psychology, Heidelberg University, Hauptstraße 47-51, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany Corresponding author. Tel.: +49 6221 547571; fax: +49 547273. Available online 28 March 2013 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.techsoc.2013.03.001, How to Cite or Link Using DOI 1. Introduction 2. Why finding a solution to climate change means solving a complex problem 3. Psychological complex problem solving research in the context of climate politics 4. Implications of the complex problem solving perspective for the problem solver 5. Discussion 6. Conclusion Abstract Decision-makers in the context of climate politics are confronted with considerable uncertainties due to the complexities inherent in the relevant natural and social systems. Nonetheless, pressure on decision-makers to find solutions to dangerous climate change is rising due to the inertia in the climate system. Considering these pressures, technological options (climate engineering) have been proposed to counteract the effects of climatic change. However, introducing options that bear their own scientific uncertainties means further adding to the complexity of the situation. By adopting the psychological perspective of complex problem solving research, we analyze one frequently neglected source of uncertainty with regard to climate engineering: errors of the political problem-solver in his interaction with the situational demands of complex problems. More specifically, we examine the psychological sources for human error that are common in dealing with the uncertainties implied in this type of problem. We will conclude from the complex problem solving perspective that a consideration of climate engineering in the context of climate change can provide a dangerous illusion of controllability. Highlights ► Newly emerging climate engineering technology complicates climate strategy selection. ► We apply psychological complex problem solving research to this topic. ► We examine the specific difficulties for the political problem-solver. ► Difficulties lie in model building, information retrieval, prediction and goal setting. ► Climate engineering provides a dangerous illusion of controllability. Keywords Complex problem solving; Geoengineering technology; Decision-making; Uncertainty; Climate politics -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "geoengineering" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to geoengineering+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send email to geoengineering@googlegroups.com. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/geoengineering?hl=en. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "geoengineering" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to geoengineering+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send email to geoengineering@googlegroups.com. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/geoengineering?hl=en. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
