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

Challenging Climate

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.
Links:

• Ben Novak's profile, including more links to his publications!
• Revive and Restore website
• Intended Consequences Statement
• The Great Passenger Pigeon Comeback

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Chapters

1. 21. Ben Novak on Revive & Restore: leveraging biotechnology for de-extinction (00:00:00)

2. Introduction and background (00:04:11)

3. What is de-extinction? (00:12:30)

4. Current research at Biotech for Bird Conservation: How close are we to successful de-extinction? (00:18:44)

5. Is facilitated adaptation a viable conservation solution to climate change? (00:28:31)

6. What are the unintended consequences? (00:36:10)

7. Intended consequences: The risk of acting now versus doing nothing (00:42:20)

8. What gives you optimism for the future? (00:48:36)