As we gain understanding of the workings of our planet, we are identifying planetary-scale interventions (like injecting reflecting particles into the stratosphere) that might compensate for the unprecedented changes human actions are already creating. Suppose side effects are judged to be tolerable and ground rules for governance are developed that all nations accept. We are still left with questions about objectives: What planetary state should we seek? Should we intervene, even if we can? A textured understanding of our long-term future as a species is needed. Might this be the territory of philosophy?
This is part three of a 5-part "Ethics and Climate Change" series sponsored by the Princeton Environmental Institute (PEI) and the University Center for Human Values.
http://uc.princeton.edu/main/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3743&Itemid=1