Conference Agenda

Geo-engineering, the manipulation of Earth's climate systems to mitigate climate change, has garnered significant attention and controversy. While proponents recently often frame it as a technological panacea, ethical concerns have risen during the last decade. Critics have typically argued that geo-engineering with technological means could exacerbate existing inequalities, create unintended consequences like ongoing consumption patterns and harming policies in rich countries, and potentially distract from the urgent need to reduce those patterns and policies that fuel greenhouse gas emissions. This paper re-examines geo-engineering through the lens of Herman Dooyeweerd's christian philosophy and worldview. Herman Dooyeweerd (1894-1977) devised a philosophy based on christian reformational principles and has been adapted by his followers to critique the use of and value of technology. Dooyeweerd's framework offers a unique perspective on nature and technology, emphasising the motives and consequences of the designing owners and engineers behind any technology design and usage. But it also questions why critiques on non-technological, natural geo-engineering have been fewer and examines the motives for the lesser critique. By analysing geo-engineering within this context, we can explore the underlying motivations, values, and potential consequences of such interventions. This critique aims to contribute to a more nuanced and responsible discussion of geo-engineering as a potential solution to climate change.