In 1986, Lake Nyos in Cameroon experienced a catastrophic “limnic” eruption, releasing a cloud of CO2 gas that tragically suffocated over 1,700 people and 3,000 livestock. This disaster prompted scientists and engineers to find ways to prevent similar events. Three years later, they started siphoning CO2 from the lake using initially a garden hose and later larger pipes, successfully managing the gas levels and averting further calamities.
The Lake Nyos incident is one of several cases highlighting the potential of geoengineering to mitigate volcanic hazards. Other examples include redirecting lava flows in Iceland using rock mounds and attempts to cool lava with seawater in the 1970s. Despite these efforts, controlling volcanoes remains a complex and risky endeavor, often leading to moral and ethical dilemmas.
Volcanologist Michael Cassidy of the University of Birmingham emphasizes the need for a deeper exploration of the ethics of volcano geoengineering. Historically, humans have interacted with volcanoes, like the drilling of tunnels at Mt Kelud in Indonesia in 1919 to reduce lahar risk. However, these interventions can have unforeseen consequences, as seen when the 1966 eruption of Mt Kelud resulted in lahars that killed 300 people, despite earlier mitigation efforts.
Accidental intrusions into magma chambers during scientific and geothermal drilling, like those in Iceland, Hawaii, and Kenya, have raised questions about the potential of such methods to mitigate volcanic effects. However, volcanologists generally approach geoengineering with caution, prioritizing a “do no harm” principle.
Volcano geoengineering could save lives in the face of supervolcano threats, like Campi Flegrei in Italy. Additionally, it could mitigate global impacts, as seen in the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption in Iceland, which had significant economic consequences. Major eruptions can also affect climate; the 1816 “year without a summer” following Mt Tambora’s eruption is a historical example.
Cassidy, existential risk researcher Lara Mani, and philosopher Anders Sandberg argue for open discussions on the possibilities and ethics of volcano geoengineering. They caution against immediate widespread implementation due to the high uncertainties and risks involved. Instead, they advocate for careful research into feasible and safe preventative measures, like magma drilling and atmospheric sulfur emission management.
The ethical considerations are complex, involving decisions that could potentially affect both small populations and global dynamics. The dilemmas range from local interventions, like redirecting lava flows, to global considerations, like mitigating international catastrophes.
The Lake Nyos case demonstrates that geoengineering can be effective and life-saving, even with simple methods like a garden hose. However, the complexity and potential risks of geoengineering necessitate a balanced approach, weighing the options against the potential consequences.
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20231221-volcano-geoengineering-eruption-lava-iceland-reykjanes