Episode 03: De-extinction

In this episode we investigate the power of de-extinction science and ask ‘Can resurrecting extinct species ensure biodiversity?’

We will discover more about what de-extinction actually is, how the technology is currently developing, whether this might present a solution to biodiversity loss, and finally tackle the ecological and moral challenges to resurrecting extinct species.

According to a 2018 World Wildlife Foundation report, Earth has lost more than half of its biodiversity in the last four decades. These are desperate times, calling for aggressive action.  Perhaps de-extinction may be required alongside traditional conservation efforts, climate change action, and habitat rehabilitation to secure a biodiverse future?

Guest experts featured in this episode:

Professor Andrew Pask, developmental geneticist, the University of Melbourne;

Professor Marcel Klaassen, ecologist, the Centre of Integrative Ecology, Deakin University;

Tristen Derham, PhD student, the School of Natural Sciences, the University of Tasmania.