Interview of Researchers for Technology Assessment of Climate Geoengineering

Abstract

Recently geoengineering has attracted attention in Western countries as a possible countermeasure for global warming. Here we report a series of interviews we conducted to assess the distribution of opinions of Japanese experts in related fields. Researchers' opinions were divided, and we found that the differences were caused by how seriously each researcher was concerned about global warming, and whether they thought it is possible to overcome uncertainties and side effects with technological development. Many interviewees attributed the low level of interest in climate engineering to the psyche of Japanese who respect nature. This study would serve as a starting point of wider discussions among experts, citizens, and stakeholders, in order to enable upstream governance of climate engineering. Since geoengineering would affect the global climate regardless of the position of Japan, it is desirable for Japanese experts and citizens to be actively engaged in the global discussions.