Socioeconomic Dimensions of Geoengineering: Tech Risk Assessment

In recent times, attempts to improve adaptation to climate change by means of large-scale CO2 absorption, sequestration and storage options have been discussed in scientific and political communities. These options range from increasing the absorption capability of the oceans, over weather changing patterns by inserting chemicals into the atmosphere to separating and storing carbon from fossil power stations. All these options can only be effective in global terms when they are applied either in large quantities or extended over vast areas. So far the discussion has been focused on technical feasibility, effectiveness, efficiency and to a lesser degree environmental implications.  However, projects of such size will trigger major social, cultural and psychological impacts that need to be anticipated and taken into account before making any far-reaching decisions. The model of risk governance provides a suitable framework to include such impacts in the assessment, evaluation and management of the anticipated benefits and risks of these projects. The paper will address the risk governance framework and explore the methodologies for including the socioeconomic dimensions in an integrated effort to balance the pros and cons of large-scale geo-engineering. Based on first experiences with carbon sequestration and storage the emphasis will be on public acceptability, environmental justice issues, and social costs.