Computers Quote by David Keith
““The requisite deployment technology does not exist as ready-to-go hardware today, but it could be supplied by any number of vendors using what the aerospace industry calls commercial off-the-shelf technology. We could build the deployment hardware far more quickly than we likely could develop the rest of the science, engineering, and governance required to begin deployment of geoengineering. In this sense that one can say that the technology exists today.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Talk on Geoengineering, 2015
The speaker argues that while dedicated hardware isn’t yet market‑ready, existing commercial off‑the‑shelf components could be assembled quickly to enable geoengineering deployment, outpacing the development of supporting science and policy.
In simple terms: Existing commercial tech could be repurposed for geoengineering faster than new hardware is built.
Key Takeaway
Leverage off‑the‑shelf tech to accelerate deployment.
Themes
geoengineering
technology
policy
risk
innovation
Mood
cautious
optimistic
Type
technical
policy
strategic
When to use this quote
- research labs
- government agencies
- private sector
- public‑private partnerships
Key Concepts
systems engineering
commercial off‑the‑shelf
deployment speed
governance
Questions to Reflect On
- What safeguards are needed when repurposing commercial tech for climate interventions?
- How can governance keep pace with rapid hardware deployment?
A Different Perspective
Reliance on untested hardware may raise safety and reliability concerns.
