Abstract

With the advent of CRISPR and gene drive gene editing technologies, synthetic biology is paving the way towards a world where humans have the capacity to rapidly design and re-design lifeforms. With little oversight and agreed upon governance structures, how will we ensure that these technologies are used for the greatest good? As we begin to actively design evolution, how might we decolonize this science? Privileging alternative forms of knowledge production and ethical frameworks from Indigenous peoples and spiritual ecologists in order to shape a preferred future for the planet in the era of synthetic life.