CRISPR/Cas Technology: A Climate Saviour or a Genetic Pandora’s Box?

The potential of the CRISPR/Cas technology to revolutionize genetic engineering through precise gene editing offers significant possibilities. Consequently, it has been proposed as a promising solution for addressing the challenges posed by climate change. Utilizing CRISPR/Cas could potentially result in the development of climate-resilient crops, the reduction of carbon emissions from livestock farming, and the engineering of carbon-sequestering microbes. Nevertheless, concerns have been raised regarding potential risks associated with this technology, such as the creation of invasive species and the unintended spread of modified genes into natural populations. Moreover, ethical considerations arise when contemplating the manipulation of the natural world through genetic engineering. This chapter examines both the advantages and risks of employing CRISPR/Cas in the battle against climate change, while suggesting approaches to strike a balance between the benefits and drawbacks, ensuring the sustainable application of this technology.