Ensuring Biological Tools Benefit the Environment

New gene editing technologies are expanding the ease and power with which scientists can manipulate biological systems with the promising of addressing not only human health issues, but problems the plant faces with regards to food, fuel, and the environment. But while much of the concerns raised about the potential consequences of this technology have focused on its use in humans, Elizabeth Alter, assistant professor of biology at City University of New York’s York College, argues its potential environmental implications will likely be far more significant. We spoke to Alter about her recent op-ed in The New York Times, the need for public discussion about the technology, what should be done today as we work through broader questions of policy.