Huib de Vriend – författare

Synthetic biology is becoming one of the most dynamic new fields of biology, with the potential to revolutionize the way we do biotechnology today. By applying the toolbox of engineering disciplines to biology, a whole set of potential applications become possible ranging very widely across scientific and engineering disciplines. Some of the potential benefits of synthetic biology, such as the development of low-cost drugs or the production of chemicals and energy by engineered bacteria are enormous. There are, however, also potential and perceived risks due to deliberate or accidental damage. Also, ethical issues of synthetic biology just start being explored, with hardly any ethicists specifically focusing on the area of synthetic biology. This book will be the first of its kind focusing particularly on the safety, security and ethical concerns and other relevant societal aspects of this new emerging field. The foreseen impact of this book will be to stimulate a debate on these societal issues at an early stage. Past experiences, especially in the field of GM-crops and stem cells, have shown the importance of an early societal debate. The community and informed stakeholders recognize this need, but up to now discussions are fragmentary. This book will be the first comprehensive overview on relevant societal issues of synthetic biology, setting the scene for further important discussions within the scientific community and with civil society.

This book examines sustainability issues of 15 deltas in the world. Each delta is described in five sections: physical setting, socioeconomic characteristics, current issues, management measures and perspective for future pathways to greater sustainability. These deltas, diverse in their geographical and economic conditions, are all confronted with natural hazards and pollution issues, posing threats to ecological health, human security and economic development. The book offers an overview of delta challenges in an integrated natural and social science approach. It is intended for researchers, graduate students and the public, especially those dwelling in deltas. It aims to improve knowledge of the current situation and to enhance awareness of the urgency of collective action to prepare for the uncertain future of these deltas. Possible future pathways towards delta sustainability are also addressed in the book.