Issues: Emerging technologies

Emerging technologies

SGR produces a range of resources on the issue of 'Emerging technologies'. This covers a wide range of new and controversial technologies such as hydraulic fracturing (fracking), artificial intelligence and autonomous systems, climate/ geo-engineering, genetically-modified organisms and synthetic biology, and nanotechnologies. An explicit concern is the adequate application of the precautionary principle, and the possible alternatives to emerging technologies, including 'appropriate' technology and non-technological solutions such economic, political or social change.

Climate Engineering: A critical review of proposals, their scientific and political context, and possible impacts

This in-depth article discusses large-scale 'technical fixes' proposed for offsetting global warming, such as fertilisation of ocean algae, reflection of sunlight with stratospheric dust, or pumping liquid CO2 into the deep oceans. The paper considers the possible impact both on climatic feedback processes, and also on climate science and climate politics. It concludes by asking whether it is wise to continue such research.

Article by Ben Matthews, SGR.

November 1996