Research Progress in Ocean Geoengineering and the Related International Law

Abstract

Global climate change and its negative impacts may be one of the greatest challenges to human society today. Geoengineering is considered one of the practical solutions to mitigate and even reverse climate change. The principles and current research of 5 marine-based geoengineering technologies and the rise of international legal challenges when practicing these technologies have been widely discussed. These technologies include Ocean Iron Fertilization, Artificial Upwelling, Marine Artificial Alkalization, Marine Cloud Brightening, and Building Seafloor Wall. Each technology has shown the potential of mitigating climate change, either it is in theoretical simulation or experimental stage. Still, it also has potential risks to marine environment and humans. Due to the uncertainty of science and the ambiguity of international law, there will be international regulatory issues under the framework of international law in the practical application of each technology. Attempts and explorations of corresponding geoengineering in the ocean should be implemented under the framework of corresponding international law. However, there are controversies in the theoretical research and practical application of international law related to geoengineering technology nowadays. Therefore, understanding of geoengineering technology must be strengthened to minimize the risks. With a supportive attitude towards small-scale geoengineering research activities aimed at mitigating global climate change; on the other hand, geoengineering′s status of international law should be clarified, a reasonable legal framework be built, and the international legal system be improved.

Keywords

• climate change
• ocean geoengineering
• international law
• ocean environment
• environmental impact assessment