geoengineering

noun

geo·​en·​gi·​neer·​ing ˌjē-ō-ˌen-jə-ˈnir-iŋ 

: any of various proposed methods or techniques for altering the earth's environment on a large and often planetary scale especially in order to halt or inhibit global warming

As climate change drives up temperatures on Earth, there is growing interest in geoengineering as a way to cool the planet.

—David Flavelle

In theory, geoengineering could mean brightening marine clouds, or encouraging heat to bounce back into space by mirroring light off polar ice.

—Alexander C. Kaufman

—sometimes used before another noun

geoengineering techniques/solutions

Word History

Etymology

geo- + engineering entry 1

First Known Use

1976, in the meaning defined above