Why is it in the news?
- UNESCO’s World Commission on the Ethics of Scientific Knowledge and Technology (COMEST) published the first-ever report on the Ethics of Climate Engineering.
- COMEST is an advisory body and forum of reflection set up by UNESCO in 1998.
About Climate Engineering
- Climate Engineering, or “geoengineering,” involves intentional large-scale intervention in the Earth’s climate system to counter climate change.
- It is classified into two groups:
1) Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR): Draws emitted carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
2) Solar Radiation Modification (SRM): Reflects sunlight back to space.
Key Ethical Concerns
- Creation of a “slippery slope” that accelerates deployment without an ethical framework.
- Techniques creating a “moral hazard,” providing an excuse to avoid reducing fossil fuel use.
- Potential influence by corporations for economic gain.
- Geoengineering tools having the potential for military or geo-political use.
Recommendations for Reducing Risks
- Introduction of legislation by states to regulate new forms of climate action.
- Scientific research on climate engineering based on ethical standards consistent with international law.
- Consideration and involvement of marginalized communities in climate engineering policies.
| UNESCO · Established in 1945. · Headquarters located in Paris, France. · India is a member, with 194 Members and 12 Associate Members. · UNESCO’s Initiatives include the Universal Copyright Convention (1952), Man and the Biosphere program (1971), World Heritage Convention (1972), and Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (2003). · Objective is to contribute to the building of a culture of peace, the eradication of poverty, and intercultural dialogue through education, the sciences, culture, communication, and information. |
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