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Mapping Weak Signals

Inspired by: corporate press » Research on Effective Means of Geo-Engineering

version: 2 / updated: 2010-08-09
id: #952 / version id: #951
mode: VIEW

Originally submitted by: Sivert von Saldern
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Last changed by: Sivert von Saldern
WI-WE status:
submitted unpublished

Source of inspiration

Corporate Press (e.g. AFP, BBC, CNN)

The source of the Weak Signal is

Welt Online http://www.welt.de/wissenschaft/umwelt/article5410981/Bizarre-Ideen-zum-Kampf-gegen-die-Erderwaermung.html

Signal's headline

(max. 9 words)
Research on Effective Means of Geo-Engineering

Signal's description

(approx. 150 words)
Please describe the Weak Signal (approx. 150 words)
The change of the global climate and growing environmental problems are being recognised as one of the great challenges of the 21st century. In order to reduce CO2-emissions, research on artificial interventions in ecological systems is increasing. Such methods called "Geo-Engineerig" are used to absorb CO2-emissions and to stabilise the global climate, e.g. by the artificial fertilisation of algaes with iron.

Keywords

climate, emission reduction, ecological systems, geo-engineering, research

Mini-description

(max. 250 characters)
In order to reduce CO2-emissions, research on artificial interventions in ecological systems is increasing.

Signal's first apperance

2005-now

Signal's potential evolution

It could lead to...
issue type of issue/development potential impact on society timeframe for the issue to become at least 50% probable
#1 unpredictable changes of climate due to artificial interventions in eco-systems, particularly in specific world regions re-emerging
 		neutral
 		now-2050
#2 less incentives to reduce CO2-emissions through energy-efficient technologies and sustainable living and consumption new/emerging
 		very harmful
 		now-2025
#3 effective technologies to absorb CO2-emissions and mitigate climate change new/emerging
 		mainly beneficial
 		now-2025

Under what assumption the Weak Signal might evolve.

Technological breakthroughs in different technologies of geo-engineering and their effectiveness might actually lead to a broad acceptance and implementation of such methods.

Importance

please specify
please select
Level 4: important for the whole world

Filters preventing the signal's monitoring

information/communicational filters (media/editorial interests, language, reasoning)
cultural/religious filters (values, traditions, faith, spiritual beliefs)
institutional filters (rules, laws, regulations)
economic filters (business/market interests)
scientific filters (knowledge/technology access)
political filters (party or ideological interests)

Key driving forces of this signal

Please use these boxes to provide up to 2 drivers of HIGH importance. Click on HELP to see examples:
Driver 1 Driver 2
Social Growing awareness towards climate change and environmental problems
Technological/Scientific Exploration of new technologies
Environmental CO2-emissions and climate change

Signal's relevance for European Grand Challenges

where? please justify:
particularly relevant Europe world
Behavioural change
Sustainability and climate change
Water security/vulnerability

Signal's relevance for thematic research areas

please justify:
particularly relevant
Environment (including Climate Change)
Space
Research infrastructures

Pan-European strategies influencing the signal

please justify:
particularly relevant
Facilitating and promoting knowledge sharing and transfer
Increasing the efficiency and impact of public research through Joint Programming (i.e. combining national and pan-European research efforts) or the optimisation of research programmes and priorities, for example.
Fostering and facilitating coherent international cooperation in science and technology

Research-friendly strategies potentially improving understanding of the signal

For further information about 'research-friendly strategies' click here
please justify:
particularly relevant
Addressing cohesion through a localised articulation between supply and demand
(e.g. making research institutions more engaged with their own context and local users; reinforcing knowledge flows into and out of regions; etc.
Creating a closer link between researchers & policy-makers
(e.g. supporting both thematic and cross-cutting policies, highlighting the strategic purpose of the European Research Area, etc.