Geoengineering consists mainly of plans, ideas, and research projects. As such, much of its impact on wider climate politics depends on how it is constructed, e.g. as a plan B, a quick fix, hubristic meddling or ‘rogue technology’. Only a small number of surveys of public opinion exist and virtually no data exists on environmentalist views on geoengineering. This paper examines the emerging divided opinion within environmental NGOs, drawing on public discourse but also on survey data gathered at radical climate camps throughout Europe and within Green Parties. It suggests that geoengineering will be a complex case for environmentalists alarmed at the failure of mitigation and the danger posed by tipping points, yet wary of techno-fixes. The contours of a new chapter in climate politics is sketched out.
