Understanding how genetics can play a role in addressing climate challenges
Image of aerial view of farm fields
Researchers at universities and companies are exploring how genetics can be a tool to help with problems posed by a changing climate. Some technologies are already being trialed and many more are under development.
Policy-makers and citizens will need to consider whether, how, and where we develop and implement these technologies.
At Connecting Genetics to Climate we want information about these technologies to be as transparent and accessible as possible.
What genetic technologies are being developed?
This is an active area of research with some new tools already in field trials and many more under development. Some of the emerging technologies aim to apply genetics to reduce the emission of heat-trapping gases, others aim to mitigate the effects of heat-trapping gases already emitted, and others can help us adapt to a changing climate.
Here’s what we’re learning
Many different sectors, from agriculture to carbon capture, are exploring where genetic technologies can be applied to climate challenges. Researchers are developing the technologies and learning how to develop applications. Applications of these technologies could create environmental-scale changes, requiring collective deliberation and decision-making within communities at local and global scales.
