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Geoengineering: A Horrible Idea We Might Have to Do

Provided by: Kurzgesagt - In a Nutshell |Published on: April 27, 2021

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Synopsis

This video from Kurzgesagt - In a Nutshell explores geoengineering, how geoengineering might be necessary in the future, and the potential risks of geoengineering.
Students will learn about the basics of the greenhouse effect, how we are currently disrupting global average temperatures, how geoengineering strategies like stratospheric aerosol injection could buy us time, and the potentially catastrophic consequences of geoengineering strategies.

Subjects: Chemistry, Earth and Space Sciences, Engineering

Authors: Kurzgesagt - In a Nutshell

Region: Global

Languages: English

Positives

It presents a balanced and researched perspective on the benefits and potential risks of geoengineering.
It concludes that education and knowledge are beneficial whether we need to rely on geoengineering in the future or not.

Prerequisites

The content of the video ends at 7:54, and the remaining time is an advertisement.
Students should know about some natural disasters and their potential harm to humans.
This video may leave students feeling anxious. Teachers should take time to support students after watching. These students may benefit from transitioning to a conversation that is solutions-focused or spending time in nature. Students can also use the Climate Emotions Wheel.

Differentiation & Implementation

This video can be used in an English class as an introduction to a class debate on geoengineering and stating an opinion with evidence.
Groups of students in social studies or science classes can research geoengineering solutions and provide their recommendations to the rest of the class. Students can research stratospheric aerosol injection, nuclear fusion, direct air carbon capture, or adding iron to the ocean to boost phytoplankton growth rates.
The description links to their sources and further reading on the topics covered.
Other resources on this topic include Geoengineering: Can Techno Fixes Save Us From Climate Change? and MIT Climate Primer: Solutions.

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