Edumania-An International Multidisciplinary Journal
Vol-03, Issue-3 (Jul-Sep 2025)
An International scholarly/ academic journal, peer-reviewed/ refereed journal, ISSN : 2960-0006
Climate Engineering: Ethical and Environmental Implications
Simran
Professor, Department of Commerce, NIILM University, Kaithal
DOI: https://doi.org/10.59231/edumania/9154
Page No.: 317–331
Subject: Environmental Ethics / Commerce
Received: May 15, 2025
Accepted: June 20, 2025
Published: July 01, 2025
Thematic Classification: Climate Engineering, Geoengineering, Environmental Ethics, Sustainable Policy.
Abstract
Climate engineering, also known as geoengineering, refers to the deliberate large-scale intervention in Earth’s climate system with the aim of mitigating the adverse effects of climate change. As global temperatures rise and conventional mitigation strategies lag behind, interest in these technologies is growing. Climate engineering is broadly classified into two categories: Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) and Solar Radiation Management (SRM), each with distinct methodologies, objectives, and risk profiles. While proponents argue that these approaches may offer a critical backup plan in case of climate emergency, critics warn against their uncertain long-term impacts and ethical implications. This paper explores both the environmental and ethical dimensions of climate engineering. It analyzes key techniques under CDR and SRM, potential environmental disruptions, governance gaps, and moral challenges, including issues of consent, intergenerational justice, and equity. Real-world case studies such as the SPICE project in the UK, ocean fertilization by the Haida Nation in Canada, and Iceland’s CarbFix initiative are examined to highlight the practical, legal, and societal dilemmas posed by geoengineering. Through an interdisciplinary lens, this study argues that any advancement in climate engineering must be guided by transparent, inclusive governance frameworks that prioritize precaution, sustainability, and justice.
Keywords: Climate Engineering, Geoengineering, Environmental Ethics, Climate Governance, Moral Hazard, Intergenerational Justice
Impact Statement
Climate engineering, or geoengineering, represents one of the most controversial frontiers in addressing global climate change. Its potential to deliberately alter Earth’s systems through technologies such as solar radiation management and carbon dioxide removal carries profound ethical and environmental implications. The impact of exploring this domain lies not only in its scientific possibilities but also in its ability to provoke urgent discourse on humanity’s relationship with nature, responsibility for future generations, and the governance of powerful climate interventions.
The study of climate engineering’s ethical dimensions challenges societies to weigh the risks of unintended consequences against the dangers of inaction in the face of accelerating climate change. It raises critical questions of justice, equity, and consent, particularly regarding the disproportionate effects on vulnerable populations and ecosystems. Meanwhile, environmental implications highlight the uncertainty of large-scale interventions, the possibility of ecosystem disruption, and the difficulty of predicting long-term planetary outcomes.
By critically examining these issues, research on climate engineering advances global awareness of the delicate balance between technological innovation and environmental stewardship. It fosters interdisciplinary collaboration between scientists, ethicists, and policymakers, ultimately shaping more informed, equitable, and sustainable climate strategies. The impact of this work thus extends beyond academic debate, influencing climate policy, international law, and collective global responsibility for the planet’s future.
About Author
Dr Simran is working as Professor, Department of commerce, NIILM University, kaithal She has 13 years of rich experience in leadership, curriculum development and teaching at school and higher education level. Her area of research is accounting, taxation, human resource management and teaching-learning. She has attended more than 70 conferences, seminars and workshops. She has presented her research in various National and International Conferences. She has been awarded with 8 prestigious Awards. Dr. Simran is working as Professor, Department of commerce, NIILM University, kaithal
Cite this Article
APA 7th Edition: Simran. (2025). Climate engineering: Ethical and environmental implications. Edumania-An International Multidisciplinary Journal, 3(3), 317–331. https://doi.org/10.59231/edumania/9154
MLA 9th Edition: Simran. “Climate Engineering: Ethical and Environmental Implications.” Edumania-An International Multidisciplinary Journal, vol. 3, no. 3, 2025, pp. 317-331. doi:10.59231/edumania/9154.
Chicago 17th Edition: Simran. 2025. “Climate Engineering: Ethical and Environmental Implications.” Edumania-An International Multidisciplinary Journal 3, no. 3: 317–331. https://doi.org/10.59231/edumania/9154.
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Peer-Review Method: This article underwent a double-blind peer-review process by two independent external reviewers with expertise in Environmental Science and Applied Ethics. This process ensures the scholarly quality, technical accuracy, and ethical rigor of the discussion regarding geoengineering technologies.
Competing Interests: The author, Simran, declares no potential conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise, that could have influenced the research, data analysis, or the ethical assessments regarding climate intervention strategies.
Funding: This research was conducted as a scholarly project supported by the Department of Commerce, NIILM University, Kaithal. No specific external grants, commercial funding, or environmental NGO sponsorships were received for the execution of this study.
Data Availability: This study is a qualitative analysis based on a synthesis of existing environmental data and ethical frameworks. The research findings and theoretical models discussed are available from the author upon reasonable request, adhering to standards of transparency in academic research.
Licence: Climate Engineering: Ethical and Environmental Implications © 2025 by Simran is licensed under CC BY 4.0. This work is published by the International Council for Education Research and Training (ICERT).
Ethics Approval: This research follows the ethical standards of NIILM University, Kaithal. The study design prioritizes academic integrity and adheres to the ethical guidelines for environmental policy research and global governance inquiries.
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