Synthetic biology through the prism of scenarios

The future of international environmental law

“…The agreement explicitly provided that "climate change has clear and immediate implications for the full enjoyment of human rights". 47 Subsequently, at the urging of the Maldives and other states, the United Nations Human Rights Council enacted Resolution 7/23, Human Rights and Climate Change, which asked the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to undertake a study of the relationship between climate change and human rights. 48 However, substantive and procedural barriers remain.…”

“…The definition of the "related interests" of a coastal state that can be affected by pollution has been enlarged to include "the cultural, aesthetic, scientific and educational value of the area" and "the conservation of biological diversity and the sustainable use of marine and coastal biological resources". 47 A detailed provision on reimbursement of costs of assistance has been elaborated.…”

“…IUCN has prepared a resource kit for sustainability assessment 47 Evaluation also needs to have reference to the short-and long-term objectives of the decision or process. However, public participation evaluation should also be considered in the context of other objectives and performance criteria.…”

“…A series of subsequent global and regional instruments with a focus on environmental protection 47 relate to the themes that were brought up in the Stockholm and Rio texts, that is, access to information, public awareness, participation, as well as non-discrimination and special measures relating to the roles of women, indigenous peoples and local communities. Some of the texts call for access to justice via judicial or other institutions, as well as the right to remedies such as claiming compensation or other relief for damage caused by environmental harm.…”

Synthetic biology and patents

“…Furthermore, as governments or philanthropic organizations fund a lot of research in synthetic biology, they can exercise their influence on the licensing conditions for the resulting patents. It remains to be seen, however, how synthetic biology will develop, and what role patents can play to foster investment and advancement in this exciting new technology (Rutz, 2007).…”