Genetic Modifications Sought to Protect Coral Reefs from Warming Oceans

As of October 15th, 2025, the world's coral reefs are facing a grave threat from rising ocean temperatures due to climate change. In response, scientists have been researching ways to genetically modify corals to make them more resilient to the hotter conditions.

This week, a major conservation group, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), is set to weigh in on the use of gene-editing tools to aid declining ecosystems and threatened species. At the heart of the debate is a proposed moratorium that would temporarily ban the release of genetically modified organisms into the wild. Supporters argue this is a wise precaution given the high risks and uncertainties, while opponents contend that every tool should be on the table to combat the worsening biodiversity crisis.

Some scientists and conservation groups believe synthetic biology, which uses genetic engineering to alter living cells, offers a chance to "use human innovation for good" and prevent further collapse of fragile ecosystems. However, skeptics warn that past attempts at modifying nature have often led to unintended consequences that were difficult to mitigate. The debate centers on whether humanity has the capacity to responsibly re-engineer the natural world without causing more harm than good.