Gene editing’s enormous promise for solving societal problems, including climate change, has been slowed by concerns that it is neither natural nor safe. These concerns are misplaced. Gene editing is unlocking new ways to enhance natural and agricultural carbon sinks, limit emissions from agriculture and other major GHG-emitting sectors, and improve biofuels.
Writing in RealClearScience, Robert Rozansky, Val Giddings, and David Hart urge Congress to take action to accelerate gene-edited climate solutions. Legislators should eliminate regulatory burdens that disincentivize innovation in gene edited technologies; create a new agency to support agricultural research into high-reward biological technologies; and encourage innovative farmers to adopt new gene-edited crops and livestock to demonstrate their value and speed wider deployment.
