November 19th, 2009

"The Lorne Trottier Annual Science Symposium - Preventing Dangerous Climate Change: Geo-Engineering or Mitigation?

Some scientists argue mitigation alone can no longer prevent dangerous levels of CO2. Can we successfully manipulate the climate system to avoid dangerous climate change? Do we understand the global climate system well enough to determine the feasibility and risks involved?

Panel speakers included:
Professor Alan Robock Dept of Environmental Sciences, Rutgers University, NJ
Professor James Fleming Technology and Society, Colby College ME
Professor David Keith Director, ISEEE and Environmental Systems Group, Earth Sciences, University of Calgary
Dr. Phil Rasch Pacific Northwest National Laboratory WA

Following the debate, audience members will be invited to participate in a question period."
- McGill Program

Keith spoke about using aerosols to deflect the rays of the sun although it wouldnt help with our current CO2 levels. According to him the aerosols would form marine stratocumulus clouds. He used a lot of emotive language in describing the perils to come with climate change and how it is our fault.
Flemming spoke about cloud seeding in Vietnam and Cuba yet continually emphasized how geo-engineering does not exist.
Robock spoke of all the different reasons geo-engineering might be bad including how it may do nothing at all. He did not address any health-related concerns.