All questions of Mitigation Strategies for BPSC (Bihar) Exam

Drawback of Geoengineering Projects:

Undermining Efforts:
One potential drawback of geoengineering projects is that they may undermine efforts to address the root cause of climate change. By focusing on technological solutions to mitigate the effects of global warming, such as solar radiation management or carbon dioxide removal, there is a risk that countries and industries may become complacent and delay or avoid implementing more sustainable practices to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This could lead to a false sense of security and hinder progress towards long-term solutions to climate change.

Impact on Ecosystems:
Another concern is the potential unintended consequences of geoengineering on ecosystems. Some proposed methods, such as ocean fertilization or cloud seeding, could have unpredictable effects on marine life, biodiversity, and weather patterns. These interventions may disrupt natural processes and have far-reaching impacts on the environment, with potential risks to both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

Ethical and Social Issues:
Geoengineering projects also raise ethical and social questions about who has the authority to make decisions about manipulating the Earth's climate. There are concerns about governance, transparency, and accountability in geoengineering research and deployment, as well as issues related to equity and justice in the distribution of benefits and risks. Public acceptance and engagement are crucial in shaping policies and regulations around geoengineering technologies to ensure they are implemented responsibly and ethically.
Overall, while geoengineering projects offer potential solutions to address the challenges of climate change, it is essential to consider the potential drawbacks and limitations of these interventions in order to make informed decisions about their deployment. Balancing the risks and benefits of geoengineering with broader efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable development is crucial in addressing the complex and urgent issue of global warming.

Geologic Sequestration: The Most Promising Method
Geologic sequestration, often considered the most effective method for carbon capture and storage in the near term, involves the long-term storage of carbon dioxide (CO2) in underground geological formations. Here's why it stands out:
1. Established Techniques
- The technology for geologic sequestration is well-developed and has been utilized successfully in various industrial applications.
- Techniques like Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) already incorporate CO2 injection, demonstrating operational viability.
2. Large Storage Capacity
- Geologic formations, such as depleted oil and gas reservoirs, saline aquifers, and unmineable coal seams, have the potential to store vast amounts of CO2.
- Estimates suggest that the global capacity for geological storage could exceed several thousand gigatons, making it a feasible long-term solution.
3. Immediate Impact on Emissions
- Geologic sequestration provides a way to capture emissions from existing fossil fuel power plants and industrial processes.
- By retrofitting these facilities with carbon capture technologies, significant reductions in atmospheric CO2 can be achieved almost immediately.
4. Safety Considerations
- Natural geological formations have safely contained hydrocarbons for millions of years, supporting the notion that CO2 can be stored securely.
- Regulatory frameworks and monitoring systems can be established to ensure the integrity of storage sites.
5. Economic Viability
- The development of carbon markets and incentives for carbon capture technologies can enhance the economic attractiveness of geologic sequestration.
- Investments in this area can lead to job creation and technological advancements that support a transition to a lower-carbon economy.
In conclusion, geologic sequestration presents a practical and scalable approach to mitigating climate change effects, making it a leading candidate for immediate implementation in carbon management strategies.

The three main steps in CCS are carbon capture (trapping and separating CO2), transportation, and underground storage.