make use of rare earth elements, the relative scarcity or abundance of different raw materials ought to determine which types of solar technologies there is a need to develop. O’Brien, an organic chemist, worked on a project on solar futures to evaluate which type of sustainable energy will be most sustainable in material terms.
From understanding the holistic nature of social and ecological systems to the specific case of solar power, it is apparent that there is no simple solution to contemporary environmental crises. Equally, there is an urgent need to develop fundamentally new ways of exploiting limited resources.
One radical alternative might be provided by the relatively new field of synthetic biology: the engineering of new forms of biological life and matter. Proponents present a range of future solutions to current problems: new biofuels, more efficient and sustainable fertilisers, and new medical drugs. However, synthetic biology also poses some problems of its own. For example, some biofuels have proved to be more carbon intensive than fossil fuels; growing meat in laboratories may be one way of forging a sustainable food chain, but brings with it natural concerns over public health. A public discussion on Synthetic Biology: A Better Future? enabled some of the UK’s leading scientists and ethicists to explore the current state and potential of synthetic biology, and to address people’s concerns about scientists ‘playing God.’ The conclusion of this debate was that although there is a great deal of public goodwill towards a science that may offer a sustainable future, scientists must also learn the lessons of the previous debates over genetic modification.
Synthetic Biology: A Better Future?
The emerging field of synthetic biology holds great promise, but also potential risks. At this public debate, scientists and philosophers discussed its opportunities and problems:
What Synthetic Biology can do for Agriculture
Energy, Food, Materials and Climate Change: The 21st Century Challenges to Biological Science
What Synthetic Biology can Offer for Bioengineering
Synthetic Biology: Some Ethical Issues
Rik Leemans’ public lecture on valuing ecosystem services can be listened to at:
www.durham.ac.uk/ias/events/fellowslectures201011/leemans/
Visions
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