Gene

Philosophy

Biology

Agroforestry

Biochemistry

Computer science

Genetically modified organism

Environmental ethics

Value (mathematics)

Epistemology

General interest

Contemporary philosophy

Machine learning

Environmental Ethics

We argue that the wild release of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) can be justified as a way of preserving species and ecosystems. We look at the case of a genetically modified American chestnut (Castanea dentata) that is currently undergoing regulatory review. Because American chestnuts are functionally extinct, a genetically modified replacement has significant conservation value. In addition, many of the arguments used against GMOs, especially GMO crops, do not hold for American chestnut trees. Finally, we show how GMOs such as the American chestnut support a reorientation of conservation values away from restoration as it has historically been interpreted, and toward an alternative framework known as rewilding.

Not the Same Old Chestnut