Chapter 1: Introduction to Geoengineering

In recent news, you may have overlooked a significant development. On Christmas Eve, an article surfaced on MIT Technology Review about a lesser-known startup named Make Sunsets. This company announced that it had conducted small-scale experiments, releasing sulfur particles into the atmosphere using weather balloons.

At first glance, this may not seem groundbreaking, but it has considerable implications. Make Sunsets appears to be the first organization to conduct geoengineering experiments outside a laboratory.

To provide some context, geoengineering refers to drastic measures aimed at combating climate change by changing the atmosphere's composition. This method seeks to mimic volcanic eruptions, which release sun-blocking particles and sulfur into the atmosphere. Major eruptions can influence weather patterns far from the source; the eruption of Mount Tambora in 1815, for example, led to severe weather anomalies and widespread crop failures, with subsequent famines affecting many countries.

Proponents of geoengineering argue that humanity must find ways to counter global warming, suggesting that a controlled artificial eruption could be necessary, especially since reducing carbon emissions rapidly enough is unlikely.

Make Sunsets shares similar sentiments. In one of its blog posts, the company states:

We release a lot of carbon. Expecting to decarbonize agriculture, construction, or shipping by 2050 is overly optimistic, not to mention the entire civilization.

Carbon capture and storage may work in labs, but we are currently less than 0.006% on track to meet the UN's 2050 goals, requiring unrealistic assumptions for success.

The difference between a 1.5°C and 2°C increase is monumental—significant enough to threaten coral reefs and lead to global famine.

The company concludes another blog post with:

Stratospheric aerosol injection is a promising geoengineering method that could assist in combating global warming. While not a substitute for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, it could provide crucial support in addressing this urgent global crisis. We must start seriously evaluating the deployment of SAI.

Interestingly, the post ends with a disclaimer stating that 99% of the content was generated with the assistance of ChatGPT, underscoring the reliance on AI in their communications.

While I don’t oppose geoengineering outright, I have concerns about startups like Make Sunsets adopting a Silicon Valley mindset.

Chapter 2: The Risks of Startup Culture in Geoengineering

Make Sunsets embodies some positive aspects; its founders could have pursued any venture but opted to tackle climate change. Their commitment is commendable, driven by a genuine urgency about the climate crisis. Yet, several warning signs accompany their approach:

• The company is led by an Ivy League business graduate who boasts of prior startup experience.
• The founder comments, "We joke slash not joke that this is partly a company and partly a cult."
• It is financed with venture capital from Silicon Valley.
• The company intends to monetize geoengineering by selling carbon offsets online.
• Make Sunsets did not acquire permission from the Mexican government or any international bodies for its activities.

When faced with criticism, the company asserts their goal of achieving a sustainable future and challenges anyone to propose a more feasible solution.

What concerns me most is how deeply rooted this venture is in the "move fast and break things" culture of Silicon Valley.

We’ve seen numerous instances where entrepreneurs rush into projects, convinced they hold all the answers—often leading to disastrous outcomes. For instance, Elon Musk's recent actions regarding Twitter highlight this trend.

Reflecting on past examples, Mark Zuckerberg believed Facebook would foster global community, but the reality was far from that, leading to misinformation and user safety issues.

Make Sunsets is not isolated in its geoengineering pursuits. Last year, a team of Harvard scientists, guided by an ethics board, planned a limited geoengineering experiment in a remote region of Sweden. However, they faced significant opposition from local indigenous groups and environmental organizations, leading to the postponement of their plans.

While Make Sunsets might argue that the failure of the Harvard initiative underscores the need for a more aggressive approach, I contend that a cautious and considered method is essential when facing global crises.

Make Sunsets may not escalate to the scale of Facebook, but it has drawn attention with its unconventional methods.

I worry that major decisions affecting our planet's future could be left to startup entrepreneurs who seem to think it’s acceptable to let AI craft their narratives.

It’s troubling enough that Silicon Valley startups exploit teenage attention for profit; it is far more concerning when they start tampering with our planet's atmosphere.

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The first video, titled "Move fast and break things" doesn't apply to other people's savings, discusses the broader consequences of hasty technological advancements.

The second video, "How 'Moving Fast' Could Break the World," explores the implications of rapid innovation without sufficient oversight.