Synthetic Biology and the Future of Global Environmental Governance

Synthetic biology is a fast-moving technological field that combines novel forms of genetic engineering with digital technologies, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. Some hail it as a potential solution for pressing challenges of environmental sustainability, for instance by providing powerful tools that could neutralize biological threats to species and ecosystems. Others stress potential environmental risks associated with releases of novel synthetic organisms. The technology also raises complex social and political questions, including on equity, participation, as well as risk assessment and management. This GGI Analysis provides a broad overview of the state of the discussion, focusing on two principal areas: a) the fusion between synthetic biology and Artificial Intelligence, whereby Large Language Models are presently being trained on genetic sequence data, including for the potential design of novel synthetic organisms; and b) the use of synthetic biology for controlling biological threats such as invasive alien species or animal pathogens with human pandemic potential. The report surveys current international governance responses under the Convention on Biological Diversity and its Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, and develops some preliminary parameters for the long-term governance of synthetic biology.