Could heat waves make geoengineering more acceptable?

Faced with increasingly frequent and intense heat waves, will the human brain want it to rain at any cost? Could geoengineering techniques, which are still marginal today, become more 'acceptable' in our minds? We asked this question to Mélusine Boon-Falleur, a cognitive science PhD researcher at the Sciences Po Center for Research on Social Inequalities.

Geoengineering refers to the deliberate intervention in Earth's natural systems to reduce the impacts of climate change. These techniques include methods such as spraying aerosols into the stratosphere to reflect solar radiation or cloud seeding. However, such interventions are controversial due to unpredictable side effects and ethical concerns. Nevertheless, as the climate crisis deepens, the social acceptance of such radical solutions may increase.

Boon-Falleur examines risk perception and decision-making processes from a cognitive science perspective. According to her, as the frequency of extreme weather events increases, people feel that the current situation has become unbearable and become more open to alternative solutions. This could lead to even technologies like geoengineering, which previously seemed unacceptable, gaining more support. However, this acceptance often increases during times of crisis and may decrease after the crisis passes.

Research shows that people's attitudes towards climate change are strongly influenced by personal experiences and emotional reactions. Directly felt impacts, such as heat waves, can increase people's belief in climate change and their desire to take action. However, when it comes to complex and abstract topics like geoengineering, public understanding and support may remain limited. For this reason, scientists and policymakers should communicate the risks and benefits of these technologies transparently.

In conclusion, as the impacts of climate change increase, the social acceptance of geoengineering may also increase, but this process is complex and multifaceted. Factors such as cognitive biases, cultural values, and political context shape people's attitudes towards such technologies. Mélusine Boon-Falleur's work helps us understand these dynamics, contributing to the more informed design of future climate policies.