geoengineering
地球工学
解説 Definition
気候変動に対処するため、大規模な技術的手段で地球環境を人為的に操作する工学分野。
Geoengineering is the deliberate use of large-scale technology to change the Earth's climate or environment. It is usually discussed as a possible way to reduce global warming, but it is controversial because it may create new risks.
覚え方のコツ Memory Tip
geo は geography・geology の geo と同じで「地球／地面」系、engineering は engineer の名詞形。まず「地球を相手にする engineering」と大づかみに置くと覚えやすいです。climate change 対策の文脈で出やすく、solar geoengineering のように「気候を技術で大きく調整する」場面を連想すると定着します。environmental engineering が環境を守る工学全般なのに対し、geoengineering は地球規模で人為的に介入する響きが強い点に注意。
Break it into `geo` + `engineering`. `Geo` is the same part as in `geography` and `geology`, so think "engineering for the Earth." It often appears in climate-change topics, especially in phrases like `solar geoengineering`, which helps fix the word in a clear context.
例文
Geoengineering proposals include spraying aerosols into the stratosphere to reflect sunlight.
地球工学の提案には、太陽光を反射させるために成層圏にエアロゾルを散布することが含まれる。
Critics warn that geoengineering could have unpredictable consequences for the global climate.
批判者たちは、地球工学が地球の気候に予測不能な結果をもたらす可能性があると警告している。
The conference on geoengineering brought together scientists from over thirty countries.
地球工学に関する会議に30か国以上の科学者が集まった。
geoengineering の類義語・関連語
紛らわしい語
geoengineering の語源・成り立ち Etymology
geoengineeringはgeo-「地球」+ engineering「工学」。geo-はGreek ge「地」、engineerはOld French経由でLatin ingenium「工夫」に通じます。地球全体を設計対象にする語感が核で、geologyやengineerも同根です。
Geoengineering is built from geo- and engineering. Geo- comes from Greek ge, meaning "earth," while engineer and engineering trace back through Old French to Latin ingenium, meaning cleverness or invention. The word developed to express the idea of applying engineering to the Earth on a very large scale; related words include geology and engineer.
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