One of the speakers shared another thought-provoking reflection: “You have to be transparent before people start asking questions.” Perhaps that is one of the keys. The sector cannot limit itself to defending gene editing in technical forums or before public administrations. It must do a better job of explaining, in simple terms and without hesitation, what it is, what it is for, why it can be beneficial for everyone, and how it differs from genetic modification.
Perhaps we should even reconsider the language we use, because some words trigger rejection before they are properly understood. The word “gene” still generates mistrust among part of society. We must prevent fear from winning the battle before science has had the opportunity to explain itself.
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The question is whether Europe wants to lead that future or continue watching it from the sidelines through a misplaced sense of caution. Gene editing must stop being a taboo because innovation is not a threat. The real threat would be failing to innovate.
In a world facing the pressures of climate change, water scarcity, the emergence of new pests, the reduction of available active substances and continued population growth, gene editing can no longer be treated as something harmful.
