Can We Cool the Planet? Full Documentary

As global temperatures continue to rise, scientists are wondering if we need solutions that go beyond reducing emissions. From sucking carbon straight out of the air, to geoengineering our atmosphere to physically block out sunlight, to planting more than a trillion trees, the options may seem futuristic or tough to implement.

But as time runs out on conventional solutions to climate change, scientists are asking the hard questions: Can new, sometimes controversial, solutions really work? And at what cost?

NOVA joins scientists and skeptics alike to explore the controversial landscape of geoengineering — the effort to build controls for Earth’s thermostat. As the calls for action become more urgent, do we understand the potential risks of these unproven technologies?

A NOVA Production by Mangrove Media LLC for GBH Boston in association with ARTE France.

This program was produced by GBH, which is solely responsible for its content. Some funders of NOVA also fund basic science research. Experts featured in this film may have received support from funders of this program.