Geoengineering

Loosely defined as the intentional large-scale manipulation of the global environment; planetary tinkering; a subset of terraforming or planetary engineering. Techniques proposed include sulfate cannons, space mirrors, and huge buckets of white paint.

In 1996 Thomas Schelling wrote, “’Geoengineering’ is a new term, still seeking a definition. It seems to imply something global, intentional, and unnatural….” Geoengineering is the last gasp of a dying civilization.

by ipsler.gonkler December 31, 2008

Geoengineering

When humanity, after failing its driver's test for Planet Earth, decides the only solution is to hotwire the climate system with planetary-scale tech. It’s the desperate Hail Mary of climate change, involving massive interventions like spraying reflective aerosols into the stratosphere to bounce away sunlight (Solar Radiation Management) or seeding the oceans with iron to suck CO2 out of the air. Critics call it a dangerous, global-scale experiment with potentially catastrophic side-effects, like messing up monsoon rains. Proponents argue we're already running an unintended experiment by burning fossil fuels, so we might need a giant thermostat.

Example: "Bro, my carbon guilt is so bad I started biking to work. Then I read about geoengineering and now I'm just waiting for them to launch the giant space mirrors to fix everything while I keep my SUV."

by Dumuabzu January 29, 2026