Could technology reverse the effects of climate change? I am Vaclav Smil, and I’ve written 40 books and nearly 500 papers about the future of energy and the environment. Ask Me Anything!

Could technology reverse the effects of climate change? It’s tempting to think that we can count on innovation to mitigate anthropogenic warming. But many promising new “green” technologies are still in the early phases of development. And if humanity is to meet the targets for greenhouse gas emission reductions outlined in the 2015 Paris Agreement, more countries must act immediately.

What’s the best way forward? I’ve thought a lot about these and other questions. I’m one of the world’s most widely respected interdisciplinary scholars on energy, the environment, and population growth. I write and speak frequently on technology and humanity’s uncertain future as professor emeritus at the University of Manitoba.

I’m also a columnist for IEEE Spectrum and recently wrote an essay titled “A Critical Look at Claims for Green Technologies” for the magazine’s June special report, which examined whether emerging technologies could slow or reverse the effects of climate change: (https://spectrum.ieee.org/energy/environment/a-critical-look-at-claims-for-green-technologies)

I will be here starting at 1PM ET, ask me anything!

Proof: https://i.redd.it/f2fxzgn6dd811.jpg

Update (2PM ET): Thank you to everyone who joined today’s AMA!