How Geoengineering Became a Hotbed for Conspiracy Theories and Vaccine Skepticism

As climate change accelerates, discussions surrounding geoengineering — a process aimed at reducing heat from the sun through solar radiation management — are gaining momentum. While experts weigh the benefits and risks, a new coalition of conspiracy theorists and vaccine skeptics has emerged, pushing back against the idea with fervor. This movement, once limited to fringe discussions, is now impacting legislation in various states across the U.S., fueling misinformation, confusion, and political debate.

What Is Geoengineering?

Geoengineering, specifically solar geoengineering, involves techniques like injecting aerosols into the atmosphere to reflect sunlight and cool the planet. The approach is still largely theoretical, with minimal real-world experimentation. However, as the threat of climate change looms larger, geoengineering has become an intriguing, if controversial, potential solution.

Some scientists advocate for limited experiments to better understand the potential benefits and risks, while others argue that efforts should be focused on reducing carbon emissions rather than manipulating natural processes.

How Tennessee Became the First State to Ban Geoengineering

In an unexpected turn, Tennessee became the first state to ban solar geoengineering. The bill, introduced by Republican lawmakers and signed by Governor Bill Lee in 2023, prohibits the use of aerosols to block solar radiation within the state. The push for the ban came despite no evidence of any geoengineering activities planned in Tennessee.

The main testimony in favor of the ban came from a physician with no background in atmospheric science. This individual falsely claimed that geoengineering was already occurring on a national scale. Democratic lawmakers mocked the bill, even attempting to amend it by adding references to mythical creatures like Yetis and Bigfoot. Nevertheless, the legislation passed with ease.

Behind the bill were activists from groups that had previously fought vaccine mandates. One such organization, East Tennessee Freedom, used its established connections with Republican lawmakers to promote the bill. These activists are motivated less by environmental concerns and more by a deep distrust of government, which they view as overreaching and manipulative.

The Rise of Vaccine Skeptics in the Geoengineering Debate

Vaccine skeptics and conspiracy theorists are increasingly aligning themselves with anti-geoengineering efforts. Groups like East Tennessee Freedom, which describe themselves as “Patriots, Momma Bears, and Conservative Christians,” argue that geoengineering is part of a broader plot to control the population.

This distrust of government has led to growing opposition against geoengineering, with these groups now finding common cause with some environmental organizations that also oppose the practice, albeit for different reasons. Organizations like Friends of the Earth argue that geoengineering distracts from the urgent need to cut greenhouse gas emissions and lacks proper international regulations to ensure safe deployment.

However, these unlikely alliances come with challenges. Environmental advocates like Benjamin Day of Friends of the Earth acknowledge the strange bedfellows, noting that sharing goals with conspiracy theorists can undermine the credibility of legitimate environmental concerns.

The Spread of Geoengineering Misinformation

Misinformation surrounding geoengineering has become widespread, particularly in online forums and social media platforms. For instance, earlier in 2023, scientists conducting a harmless experiment off the coast of Alameda, California, were met with public outcry. They were testing a device designed to brighten clouds to reflect sunlight, but locals, fueled by misinformation, feared the experiment would harm public health or the environment. Despite the city’s assurance that the test was safe, the project was shut down.

Similar concerns have emerged nationwide, with Republican lawmakers in more than half a dozen states, including New Hampshire, South Dakota, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, introducing legislation to ban geoengineering. In each case, the bills were modeled on earlier efforts in Rhode Island, where opposition to geoengineering dates back to 2014.

The Role of the Chemtrails Conspiracy

A major source of opposition to geoengineering comes from the persistent “chemtrails” conspiracy theory, which posits that airplanes are deliberately releasing harmful chemicals into the atmosphere under the guise of normal water vapor emissions. This theory has gained significant traction among anti-government groups, despite a complete lack of evidence supporting the claims.

One of the earliest proponents of this theory was Karen MacBeth, a former Rhode Island state representative who introduced legislation to ban geoengineering in 2014. MacBeth’s bill cited potential environmental harms, such as acid rain and ozone depletion, and was inspired by her belief that airplanes were already emitting dangerous chemicals. Though her bill never received a vote, it laid the groundwork for subsequent anti-geoengineering legislation.

New Developments in Geoengineering Research

Despite the opposition, research into geoengineering is moving forward. In 2023, the White House released a federal research agenda for solar geoengineering, outlining the need for outdoor experiments to assess the technology’s feasibility and safety. Although the Biden administration emphasized that research is still in its early stages, the mere mention of geoengineering sparked a flurry of alarmist posts on social media.

Some scientists, like geophysicist David Keith, argue that outdoor experiments are essential to understanding the full implications of geoengineering. Others, like Fred Krupp of the Environmental Defense Fund, stress the importance of having a solid scientific foundation before making any policy decisions about geoengineering deployment. The British government has even allocated $75 million for geoengineering research, recognizing that laboratory studies alone cannot provide a complete picture.

The Future of Geoengineering Legislation

As conspiracy theories and political opposition continue to shape public opinion, the future of geoengineering remains uncertain. Legislators in states like Pennsylvania and New Hampshire are pushing for bans, while scientists urge caution and further research. The tension between fear and scientific inquiry is at the heart of the geoengineering debate, making it one of the most polarizing environmental issues of our time.

In the coming years, it will be crucial to balance the need for scientific progress with the concerns of those who fear the consequences of geoengineering — whether those fears are based in fact or fiction.