Abstract

Engineering biology (EngBio) is a dynamic field that uses gene editing, synthesis, assembly, and engineering to design new or modified biological systems. EngBio applications could make a significant contribution to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions. Yet, policy support will be needed if EngBio is to fulfil its climate mitigation potential. What form should such policies take, and what EngBio applications should they target? This paper reviews EngBio’s potential climate contributions to assist policymakers shape regulations and target resources and, in so doing, to facilitate democratic deliberation on desirable futures.

Engineering biology is a dynamic field that uses gene editing, synthesis, assembly, and engineering to design new or modified biological systems. Here the authors discuss the policy considerations and interventions needed to support a role for engineering biology in climate change mitigation.

Details

Title
Engineering biology and climate change mitigation: Policy considerations
Author
Symons, Jonathan 1   VIAFID ORCID Logo  ; Dixon, Thomas A. 1   VIAFID ORCID Logo  ; Dalziell, Jacqueline 2 ; Curach, Natalie 3 ; Paulsen, Ian T. 1   VIAFID ORCID Logo  ; Wiskich, Anthony 4   VIAFID ORCID Logo  ; Pretorius, Isak S. 1   VIAFID ORCID Logo 

1  Macquarie University, Australian Research Council (ARC) Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Sydney, Australia (GRID:grid.1004.5) (ISNI:0000 0001 2158 5405) 
2  University of Sydney, School of History and Philosophy of Science, Sydney, Australia (GRID:grid.1013.3) (ISNI:0000 0004 1936 834X) 
3  HydGene Renewables, Sydney, Australia (GRID:grid.1013.3) 
4  Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Brisbane, Australia (GRID:grid.1016.6) (ISNI:0000 0001 2173 2719) 
Pages
2669
Publication year
2024
Publication date
2024
Publisher
Nature Publishing Group
e-ISSN
20411723
Source type
Scholarly Journal
Language of publication
English
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-46865-w
ProQuest document ID
2986724221
Copyright
© The Author(s) 2024. This work is published under http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ (the “License”). Notwithstanding the ProQuest Terms and Conditions, you may use this content in accordance with the terms of the License.