Policy Responses to Climate Change: Lessons from Covid and Other Historical Crises

[Geoengineering News]

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Beth-Anne-Schuelke-Leech/publication/358422116_Policy_Responses_to_Climate_Change_Lessons_from_Covid_and_Other_Historical_Crises/links/63f0f8ce2958d64a5cde78ad/Policy-Responses-to-Climate-Change-Lessons-from-Covid-and-Other-Historical-Crises.pdf

Author 

Timothy C. Leech

Abstract 

This chapter examines the likelihood that policy makers—particularly in the United States—will be able to proactively take effective steps to minimize the adverse effects of global climate change. Through the examination of historical case studies, and an in-depth examination of policy responses to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, we argue that crisis situations are often the most effective drivers of transformative policy action. Only when the populace perceives climate change as an immediate existential crisis will they demand immediate effective action. At that point, solar radiation management (SRM) will likely be the only solution that will offer immediate results in addressing the long-term problem of atmospheric global heating.

Solar Radiation Management appears to offer an easy, stop-gap solution, but this may prove to be a mirage: 

 The adverse side-effects of SRM may turn out to be worse than the problem it is designed to address. 

 Unless SRM is accompanied by a comprehensive program that effectively addresses the problem of atmospheric GHGs, it will need to be continued indefinitely. 

Just because we have plan for SRM, does not mean it is going to work. 

Source: ResearchGate