Home / Science / UK agency uses biotech to speed up nature's adaptation
UK agency uses biotech to speed up nature's adaptation
21 Sep
Summary
- UK agency funds 14 projects using biotechnology for conservation.
- Projects aim to accelerate species' adaptation to climate change.
- Biotech tools developed will work alongside traditional conservation methods.
The UK's Advanced Research and Invention Agency (Aria) is investing £54 million in an "accelerated adaptation programme" to combat the climate crisis. This initiative funds 14 high-risk, high-reward projects exploring how biotechnology can hasten the evolutionary adaptation of wild species. The goal is to equip conservationists with advanced tools, akin to mRNA vaccines, to address rapid environmental changes and emerging threats.
Projects include gene-editing swallowtail butterflies for insecticide resistance and developing rapid-growth oak trees to counter drought. Other efforts focus on creating genetic shields for amphibians against fungal infections and "vaccinating" ash trees against dieback disease. These initiatives aim to work alongside established conservation practices.
While controversial, these projects adhere to strict ethical guidelines, with no experimental solutions planned for release until the programme concludes in 2030. The programme aims to provide novel solutions for species and ecosystems facing unprecedented environmental pressures.
