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

Examples of geoengineering in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This is the idea that, once started, solar geoengineering would have to be maintained indefinitely. — Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 8 Sep. 2026

But on the other hand, some scientists are increasingly interested in pursuing small geoengineering experiments as climate change’s effects mount. — Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 19 Aug. 2026

What would earth look like after a few hundred years of solar-panel arrays, wind turbines, carbon capture, stratospheric geoengineering? — Literary Hub, 18 June 2026

Lawmakers are seeking to limit geoengineering, or intentionally altering the atmosphere. — Stephen Gruber-Miller, Des Moines Register, 20 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

geo- + engineering entry 1

First Known Use

1976, in the meaning defined above