Schedule European Summer University 2022

Gene Drives - a form of genetic engineering - is set to become THE new tool for climate adaptation and biodiversity protection. Invasive mice could be eradicated from islands within a few generations and plants made resistant to heat. Is this a curse or a blessing?

Gene drive organisms are perhaps the most dangerous application of genetic engineering yet developed. With the help of the so-called CRISPR/Cas process, animals and plants that reproduce sexually are to be manipulated in such a way that they pass on a new trait to all their offspring, even if this is fatal for them. In doing so, the natural rules of evolution are overridden. This mechanism then repeats itself in each new generation: a genetic chain reaction. Gene drive organisms are intended to displace or even exterminate their fellow species in the nature environment. Their release can have unforeseeable consequences for ecosystems and food webs. They cannot be reversed. In the worst case, this could lead to the extinction of further species and the collapse of entire ecosystems, and also endanger human health and nutrition.
As states, companies, NGOs and indigenous peoples wrestle over the release of these organisms at the international level, it is high time that European civilians address the benefits and risks of this technology. In our workshop, participants will get an all-round view on the topic and possibilities for action will be worked out together.

Info

Day: 2022-08-20
Start time: 10:00
Duration: 01:45
Room: S102 Organization:
Track: Ecology and climate justice
Language: en

Links:

• iCalendar