Week 8: Solar Geoengineering in the Spotlight
Dear all,
In grappling with the challenges that confront us and finding ourselves at a crossroads where options appear limited, the counsel from ancient times reverberates — look inward. When the way forward seems elusive, and avenues for resolution are scarce, the enduring advice suggests an introspective journey. It is a call to delve into our inner realms, seeking a path, a flicker of hope, or an inherent light within. This ancient wisdom transcends time, offering solace and guidance in times of uncertainty.
At the societal level, this introspection unfolds on a grand scale, mirroring the individual journey. When faced with collective dilemmas, societies often turn inward. The manifestation of this introspection takes various forms — nationalism, protectionism, and patriotism. However, at times, it takes a darker turn, veering into racism. Fear becomes a prevailing force, permeating the collective consciousness. In this context, the call for introspection gains added significance.
Viewed through a spiritual lens, this introspective journey assumes a broader perspective, highlighting how humanity, in its quest for meaning, often misinterprets this essential odyssey. Previous discussions touched upon the subtle undercurrents of panic and tragedy woven into the fabric of our human journey. Yet, the unfolding narrative surpasses expectations, evolving into a trajectory that defies anticipation.
The Earth, our planetary home, bears witness to the echoes of five mass extinctions preceding our current epoch. Each extinction event, a sweeping slate-wiping of the evolutionary record, functioned as a reset button on the planet's clock. Climate scientists today draw parallels between these cataclysms and the ecological future hurtling towards us. The commonly held belief, rooted in high-school textbooks, attributes these extinctions to asteroids. However, a closer examination reveals that, except for the event that extinguished the dinosaurs, climate change driven by greenhouse gases was the primary culprit. One of the most infamous episodes occurred 252 million years ago, triggered by a significant carbon-induced warming that resulted in the death of 97 percent of all life on Earth. Remarkably, we are now injecting carbon into the atmosphere at a rate at least ten times faster. The term "Anthropocene," once confined to academic discourse, has permeated the popular imagination. It designates the current geological era shaped by human intervention, signaling a new epoch marked by our influence on the planet. However, the term's connotations imply a mastery over nature, echoing the biblical concept of "dominion." Yet, regardless of our assumptions about having already ravaged the natural world, there's a disconcerting prospect — that we might have triggered a climate system that will wage war against us for centuries, potentially leading to our destruction. This perspective aligns with Wallace Smith Broecker's characterization of the planet as an "angry beast" or even a "war machine," armed more each day by our actions.
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