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Engineering biology and climate change mitigation: Policy considerations

Author

Listed:
  • Jonathan Symons

    (Macquarie University)

  • Thomas A. Dixon

    (Macquarie University)

  • Jacqueline Dalziell

    (University of Sydney)

  • Natalie Curach

    (HydGene Renewables)

  • Ian T. Paulsen

    (Macquarie University)

  • Anthony Wiskich

    (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO))

  • Isak S. Pretorius

    (Macquarie University)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Jonathan Symons & Thomas A. Dixon & Jacqueline Dalziell & Natalie Curach & Ian T. Paulsen & Anthony Wiskich & Isak S. Pretorius, 2024. "Engineering biology and climate change mitigation: Policy considerations," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-9, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:15:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-024-46865-w
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46865-w
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Thomas A. Dixon & Paul S. Freemont & Richard A. Johnson & Isak S. Pretorius, 2022. "A global forum on synthetic biology: the need for international engagement," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-5, December.
    2. K. E. French, 2019. "Harnessing synthetic biology for sustainable development," Nature Sustainability, Nature, vol. 2(4), pages 250-252, April.
    3. Jessica Jewell & Aleh Cherp, 2020. "On the political feasibility of climate change mitigation pathways: Is it too late to keep warming below 1.5°C?," Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Climate Change, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 11(1), January.
    4. Alicia E. Graham & Rodrigo Ledesma-Amaro, 2023. "The microbial food revolution," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-10, December.
    5. Holly Jean Buck & Laura Jane Martin & Oliver Geden & Peter Kareiva & Liz Koslov & Will Krantz & Ben Kravitz & John Noël & Edward A. Parson & Christopher J. Preston & Daniel L. Sanchez & Lynn Scarlett , 2020. "Evaluating the efficacy and equity of environmental stopgap measures," Nature Sustainability, Nature, vol. 3(7), pages 499-504, July.
    6. Ronald Herring & Robert Paarlberg, 2016. "The Political Economy of Biotechnology," Annual Review of Resource Economics, Annual Reviews, vol. 8(1), pages 397-416, October.
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