Techno-fixes are not climate’s Messiah

Governments must stop waiting for a technological Messiah to deliver the world from climate change, two leading environmental scientists warned this week.

Gabriele Hegerl and Susan Soloman of the University of Edinburgh said attempts to combat global warming through climate engineering could prove disastrous.

The growing interest in techno-fixes to fight climate change are detracting from the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions here and now, the scientists said.

Techno-fix solutions include geo-engineering to manipulate the Earth’s climate, for example by placing giant mirrors in space or blasting jets of water into the atmosphere.

WWF Scotland urged world leaders to heed the scientists’ warning.

“These scientists underline why governments cannot simply pin their hopes of tackling climate change on unproven, big techo-fixes,” said Richard Dixon, WWF Scotland director.

“While some of the ideas out there might have a role to play one day, the world cannot wait.

“We need to see real and measurable cuts in emissions across all aspects of society including homes, businesses, transport and agriculture.

“We already have the technologies we need to reduce emissions, all that is needed is the political will.”