Many have been touting bioeconomy and the production of synthetic biofuels as a potential success only compared to the industrial revolution. As with everything that we do, humanity seems to jump in with both feet and not look to see potentials dangers down the road. This is no more true than our addiction to fossil fuels and the damage we have wreaked on the planet, life and ourselves. Bioeconomy may sound like a potential boon for alternative fuel sources, but the path has red flags that we need to pay attention to.

The synthetic biology industry is the attempt to change microbes in ‘living chemical factories’ thru genetic alterations. These microbes, such as algae, e-coli, yeasts, and other living organisms are being engineered to break down living plants (biomass) and create substances that would not be normally produced naturally. These substances can include: bio-plastics, biofuels, oils, industrial chemicals and even types of medicines.

There are however, a few things that need to be made note of, particularly that the concept of changing out petrochemicals for the biomass-based fuels may include some of the same bad effects that we found in the fossil fuel economy. In changing the natural order and process we are in danger of threatening the complete alterations that are being brought about in the biotechnology industry such as the highly controversial genetic engineering of crops. We have already made what is called a ‘state-shift’ in our ecosystem on a global scale, and are in danger of making a planetary alteration and entering a geological area. As a collective attempt, the impact of human technology is threatening to outstrip nature as the most power force behind the natural cycles of ecology. Changing synthetic biology and biomass as a force to operate our industrial energy may have dramatic effects on the food chain and ultimately, our own survival.

Source: http://www.foe.org/news/archives/2013-02-synthetic-biology-and-the-bioeconomy-feeding-fuel-to

3 Responses to “The Science and Business of Bioeconomy: the Problems of Weaning off of Synthetic Fuels”

1. 1
   LoveMyGarden Says:
   

   Lots of good information to think about. I guess the adage fits here: everything in moderation. It sounds like we might create another monster with a bioeconomy that we didn’t intend on. I don’t think anyone gave it a second thought when they created gasoline and the automobile. Good thing some people are thinking now.

   August 29th, 2013 at 9:33 pm
2. 2
   AlwaysGreat Says:
   

   In a matter of only a small number of years we have managed to make major scientific advancements but with little attention to how these will affect the world, living creatures and even our future generations. We need to keep our eyes on the goal but as they said in Jurassic Park “just because we can do it, doesn’t mean we should do it.” (Love that quote)

   June 16th, 2013 at 1:22 pm
3. 3
   ANYDayNow Says:
   

   Don’t want to see anything else listed as genetically changed. There is a natural order of things and we are messing things up badly. It’s bad enough that the food we eat is genetically modified, who knows what kinds of problems that’s going to cause down the line. Now, in the name of ecology, they are trying to change nature again. Does anyone ever learn?

   June 15th, 2013 at 5:07 pm

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