geoengineering-governance

The chapter outlines humanity's emerging role as planetary stewards in the Anthropocene, emphasizing the need for sophisticated 'planet craft' to manage Earth's complex systems through improved monitoring and data integration. It critically examines geoengineering as a pragmatic, though controversial, response to climate change, detailing various proposed interventions, their costs, risks, and governance challenges, including the political obstacles to climate science exemplified by the DSCOVR satellite cancellation. The text advocates for inclusive, collaborative environmental action, proposing a diversification of the environmental movement into traditional Greens and innovative Blue-Greens, united by a shared commitment to urgent and sustained planetary care.

In this afterword to Whole Earth Discipline, Stewart Brand reflects on the evolving scientific understanding and political dynamics surrounding climate change, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based perspectives amid polarized discourse. He updates readers on energy developments including nuclear policy shifts, pragmatic acceptance of clean coal, skepticism about space-based solar power, and optimism about fusion energy, while also discussing advances in biotechnology and the governance of emerging technologies like geoengineering. Brand underscores the necessity of adaptive strategies, rigorous analysis, and long-term thinking to address climate and energy challenges responsibly.