Of course, every technique comes with potential risks. But the harmful effects of climate change outside the United States may force the hands of governments, NGOs, and businesses. Enacting any of these ideas means an effort on an enormous, global scale - creating many jobs in the process, provided the United States dives ahead with research and development in these techniques.
Americans are a largely optimistic people who easily tune out doomsaying and austerity (witness the debate over the debt). But we're quick to spot opportunities and have pride and continuing faith in our own ability to achieve technical marvels such as the moon landing. Rather than our doom, climate change could be the centerpiece of ensuring a second consecutive American Century.