Engineering Biology: The Key to Building a Sustainable and Equitable Bioeconomy
The concept of Anima Mundi, or the "soul of the world," suggests that all living beings are connected and interdependent. This belief can be applied to the creation of a bottom-up bioeconomy, in which engineering biology is used to address global challenges such as sustainability, resilience, and equity.
In this vision of the future, biorefineries around the world drive biomanufacturing, using renewable and sustainably sourced raw materials to produce a variety of bio-based products. This approach reduces our reliance on petroleum and helps to preserve biodiversity, minimize carbon emissions and pollution, and create fulfilling jobs for local communities.
However, achieving this goal requires collaboration between policymakers, researchers, businesses, and communities, as well as a focus on social engagement to avoid repeating past mistakes and reinforcing current inadequate systems. It is essential that engineering biology professionals see their role as more than just developing microbes, and that the field evolves to support the creation of a dynamic and equitable bioeconomy.
The current state of engineering biology has already made significant scientific progress and brought biologically engineered products to market. However, there is still much work to be done to fully realize the potential of this field to create a more sustainable and equitable future. By embracing the concept of Anima Mundi and working together towards a bottom-up bioeconomy, we can create a world in which biology is applied to solve some of mankind's biggest problems and drive a sustainable, resilient, and equitable regenerative economy.
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