It does sound reckless doesn’t it? Even more so when you consider that over time you would likely have to eliminate many species of mosquito, not just one to achieve the effect you desire. And, as the linked nature article noted, this could have knock on effects on other species which prey on mosquitos.
I think your comment is important, because this is probably the heart of the objection to using gene drives to exterminate mosquitos.
I think a few points are relevant in thinking about this objection:
(1) We already take steps to reduce mosquito populations, which are successful in wealthier countries.
(2) This shows the limited ecological effects of eliminating mosquitos.
(3) The existing efforts are not narrowly targeted. Eliminating malaria and other disease causing mosquitos would enable these other efforts to stop, possibly reducing overall ecological effects.
(4) Malaria is a major killer and there are other mosquito borne diseases. If you are looking at this from a human-centered perspective, the ecological consequences would have to be clear and extreme to conclude that this step shouldn’t be taken and the consequences don’t appear to be clear or extreme. (If there is another perspective you are looking at this from, I’d be happy to consider it.)
(5) Humanity is doing its best to eradicate Guinea worm to universal praise. It’s a slow process. Would you suggest reversing it? Why are mosquitos and Guinea worms different?
It does sound reckless doesn’t it? Even more so when you consider that over time you would likely have to eliminate many species of mosquito, not just one to achieve the effect you desire. And, as the linked nature article noted, this could have knock on effects on other species which prey on mosquitos.
I think your comment is important, because this is probably the heart of the objection to using gene drives to exterminate mosquitos.
I think a few points are relevant in thinking about this objection:
(1) We already take steps to reduce mosquito populations, which are successful in wealthier countries.
(2) This shows the limited ecological effects of eliminating mosquitos.
(3) The existing efforts are not narrowly targeted. Eliminating malaria and other disease causing mosquitos would enable these other efforts to stop, possibly reducing overall ecological effects.
(4) Malaria is a major killer and there are other mosquito borne diseases. If you are looking at this from a human-centered perspective, the ecological consequences would have to be clear and extreme to conclude that this step shouldn’t be taken and the consequences don’t appear to be clear or extreme. (If there is another perspective you are looking at this from, I’d be happy to consider it.)
(5) Humanity is doing its best to eradicate Guinea worm to universal praise. It’s a slow process. Would you suggest reversing it? Why are mosquitos and Guinea worms different?