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Genetically Modified Plants to Curb Climate Change

Genetic modification and global warming are currently both topics on the hot-seat of discussion, in terms of ethics and the dire need for a solution, but could it be possible that genetic modification could be the solution we so desperately need?




Why does this area have so much potential?

It is widely known that increased greenhouse gas emissions, particularly carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxides, are resulting in an enhanced greenhouse effect leading to increased global surface temperatures. The increase has come after the beginning of the Industrial era in the late 19th century which has been addressed in the Paris Climate Agreement in 2016 which aimed to keep global temperatures under a 2℃ increase and aiming for a 1.5℃ increase from pre industrial levels.



Despite 195 signatories, many countries are struggling to meet the goals outlined in the agreement, including large countries such as the United States which would need to double or triple efforts to meet 2030 reduction commitments. This highlights that a huge solution is required in order to stay under the 2℃ temperature increase. The reality of the situation is that Sir Robert Watson, former chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change states, “the world is on a pathway to between 3-4℃ by the end of the century” - a grim and confronting reality which highlights humanity’s need for more solutions.



Harnessing the power of plants

Carbon dioxide makes up 71% of all greenhouse gas emissions and is largely due to the burning of fossil fuels required for power production amongst other uses. The Salk institute, a non-profit organisation which conducts research on genetics, immunology, plant biology and more, has been piloting the Harnessing Plants Initiative (HPI). The HPI aims to optimise on a plant’s natural ability to absorb CO2 which is used in photosynthesis. Photosynthesis converts light energy into chemical energy that is stored in biomass which when they die, decomposes back into CO2 thus nulling any CO2 absorbing efforts; this is especially so with crops which die at the end of the growing season.


The Salk Institute believes that the key to this increased absorption is suberin, a component of cork, which is a carbon-rich substance found in roots that resists decomposition into CO2, which is released into the atmosphere. The institute’s aim is to genetically modify plants to grow deeper and more extensive root systems in order to increase the amount of carbon stored in roots.


The biologists working on the HPI, headed by Joanne Chory, have identified single genes which affect the growth of deeper roots and higher production of suberin which is a big step in the right direction. A combination of precise selective breeding and gene editing of these genes would allow them to be expressed in desired plants which the institute has suggested to be crops such as soy, maize, wheat, and rice. This is because overpopulation, alongside climate change, will be one of the largest issues in the coming decades and a larger number of crops grown with these genetic changes would make the initiative even more effective.



Limitations

Despite being an exciting development, a limitation the HPI is facing is that they cannot afford for yield to decrease at the expense of increased CO2 absorption. This is because there needs to be an incentive for farmers to buy these genetically modified seeds and more pressure will be put on agricultural production due to the almost 1 billion more people there will be in a decade's time.


Tilling, the common farming practice of turning soil before planting, also poses an issue as the ‘locked away’ carbon in the soil is likely to be released back into the atmosphere. If a ‘no-till’ approach is encouraged by the institute, it may discourage farmers from buying the seeds. The institute has to balance between what’s best for the environment but also what is realistic and can be practically implemented on a large scale.



Final Thoughts

To conclude, the HPI has the potential to hugely curb global warming but it should only be a supplement to other efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the first place. In a way, this solution could be seen as mopping up the floor when the bath is overflowing - sure, it helps but we need to turn off the faucet.


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