Challenging Climate

21. Ben Novak on Revive & Restore: leveraging biotechnology for de-extinction

October 18, 2022 Jesse Reynolds and Pete Irvine Episode 21
Challenging Climate
21. Ben Novak on Revive & Restore: leveraging biotechnology for de-extinction
Show Notes Chapter Markers

Ben Novak is lead scientist at Revive & Restore, where he leads the de-extinction efforts – especially the group’s restoration of the extinct passenger pigeon. He is also the lead coordinator for its conservation cloning projects and Program Manager for Revive & Restore’s new Biotechnology for Bird Conservation. In this episode, we dive deep into the applications of biotechnology in de-extinction, genetic modification for climate adaptation, and the ethical arguments for and against biotechnology for conservation.  

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Introduction and background
What is de-extinction?
Current research at Biotech for Bird Conservation: How close are we to successful de-extinction?
Is facilitated adaptation a viable conservation solution to climate change?
What are the unintended consequences?
Intended consequences: The risk of acting now versus doing nothing
What gives you optimism for the future?