Plain language summary: How do we have a public conversation about new technologies for conservation? The possibilities and pitfalls of scientific language
Plain language summary: How do we have a public conversation about new technologies for conservation? The possibilities and pitfalls of scientific language
Tags: Biodiversity/Conservation, Gene drive synthetic, Oceania, Stakeholder engagement, Synthetic biologyAnnonymous, Relational Thinking, 2021.
Having caused a catastrophic decline of animal species, people now look to new technologies to reverse the damage. Gene drive is a potential tool that could increase the proportion of male offspring in rat populations and eventually reduce their overall numbers. Some suggest this tool could eliminate rats from islands, like New Zealand, where rats have a devastating impact on native species. While holding much potential, the New Zealand public has shown hesitation towards genetic tools. In our study, we investigated how four articles, each emphasizing a different aspect of gene drive (i.e., humaneness, pragmatism, decision making, and scientific innovation), impacted opinion towards gene drive alongside people’s emotional responses, biases, and perceived risks towards the tool.
