My Arts Editor responds to the gene drive report:
Yes, repercussions if they start sequencing human genes. But much more serious: there would be grave repercussions to the eco system if we, in our infinite wisdom, decide to eradicate entire species that we deem inimical to human life. Visit genocide on the mosquito and the fish, birds and bats that eat them also die, then the larger predators and environments that those species influence are affected, and so on. Just because you CAN do something to achieve a short-term benefit doesn’t mean you SHOULD. Humans have a remarkable myopia when it comes to playing God.
Much like my own concerns about disturbing the energy profile of the Earth, even through green systems such as wind farms and the like. Disturbances to such non-linear systems are difficult to impossible to predict, so, like my Arts Editor, I find the invention of the gene drive not a matter of celebration.
On a larger scale, I have to wonder about how we’d respond if we had rejected the idea of medicines long ago. Would our species have perished? Or would our numbers be far lower, leaving the ecosphere far more stable and suitable for us? But at what price anguish, not to mention the loss of elder’s wisdom?
