Chapter 1: The Limitations of Technological Progress

Recently, I came across an intriguing article in The Economist discussing the launch of the world's largest carbon removal facility near Reykjavik, Iceland. This ambitious industrial site employs innovative chemical techniques to convert carbon dioxide (CO2) into solid basalt within a span of two years.

The financial cost of this direct CO2 sequestration is steep, ranging between $600 and $800 per tonne, with offset packages sold online for around $1,200 per tonne. However, demand is high; The Economist reports that about two-thirds of its lifetime carbon removal offerings have already been purchased. Notable clients include companies like Microsoft and Swiss Re, along with over 8,000 individual purchasers.

Additionally, the article briefly mentions tree planting as a method for carbon sequestration, though it does so with a skeptical tone, highlighting the risks of wildfires and deforestation that can release stored carbon back into the atmosphere. I was taken aback by the dismissal of a natural process that has effectively sequestered carbon for millions of years using only sunlight and water, in favor of a new energy-intensive technology that remains unproven.

The Optimist's Viewpoint

In his book, The Rational Optimist, author Matt Ridley argues for a hopeful outlook on humanity's future. He emphasizes that we are innovators and problem-solvers, capable of overcoming numerous challenges. In essence, he believes we can always rely on science to navigate crises.

While I agree with Ridley that our intellect has led us to remarkable achievements, I challenge the notion of scientific progress as an exclusively forward-moving trajectory. Many in the scientific community hold a belief that existing issues can only be resolved through new technological advancements, rather than leveraging our current knowledge.

This perspective suggests that progress demands active intervention; that we must manipulate the causes of problems to find solutions. Such a mindset leads to the dangerous belief that humans are the ultimate controllers of the universe.

It is essential to recognize the limitations of our understanding. Although we have made significant strides in various fields, we cannot claim to comprehend every aspect of complex systems. This hubris can result in misguided actions that exacerbate problems instead of solving them, a phenomenon known in medicine as iatrogenesis.

The Case for Restraint

If we allowed ourselves to embrace humility, we might realize that nature has perfected its processes over millions of years. For instance, we could conclude that planting trees is a more effective solution than constructing a costly industrial plant for carbon capture.

Ultimately, the key to addressing many human-created challenges lies not in new inventions but rather in exercising restraint. We often mislead ourselves by branding certain products or investments as "sustainable" or "green," only to discover that these claims are not substantiated by real-world outcomes.

Throughout history, we have attempted various strategies to mitigate our negative impact on the environment, yet one crucial approach has been largely overlooked: significantly reducing the activities that harm our planet.

There is no need for extensive management hierarchies or directed processes. Instead, we must allow nature to reclaim its balance and recognize that we do not possess all the answers.

As the Doomsday Clock ticks closer to midnight, the urgency of our situation increases. To improve our chances of survival, we should consider an approach akin to the one devised by Doug Collins, former coach of the Chicago Bulls, for Michael Jordan in high-stakes scenarios: “Pass the ball to Nature and step aside.”

Chapter 2: The Role of Nature in Climate Solutions

Nature has long been a powerful ally in combatting climate change.

The first video, "Climate change: what will happen if we do nothing?" delves into the potential consequences of inaction on climate change.

In addition to technological solutions, we must recognize the vital role that natural processes play in maintaining ecological balance.

The second video, "Can YOU Fix Climate Change?" challenges viewers to reflect on their role in addressing this urgent issue, emphasizing that collective action is essential.