TED Talks Daily How supercharged plants could slow climate change | Joanne Chory
May 2, 2019
Joanne Chory, a pioneering plant geneticist at the Salk Institute, reveals her groundbreaking work in enhancing plants to combat climate change. She discusses how plants naturally absorb carbon dioxide and her mission to amplify this ability for deeper carbon storage. Through innovative genomic techniques, including CRISPR, Chory aims to create supercharged crops that not only meet agricultural demands but also improve soil health. Her ambitious project could transform the way we think about plants in the fight against climate change.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
CO2's Dual Nature
- Joanne Chory, a plant geneticist, views CO2 differently than most.
- She sees its potential as a building block for life, a key component of photosynthesis.
The Carbon Cycle Challenge
- Plants possess a large capacity for CO2 uptake, exceeding human emissions.
- However, this captured carbon is often released back into the atmosphere when plants decompose.
Supercharging Plants
- To enhance carbon sequestration, focus on three plant traits: increased Suburin production, more roots, and deeper root growth.
- These changes will help plants store more carbon underground for longer periods.