Genetic engineering has already been successfully applied to plants and animals in research to address the effects of climate change. However, its effectiveness in climate change mitigation and adaptation is still severely limited. One of the most important limitations of current applications is the limited scope of potential solutions without the use of intra-, cis-, and transgenic approaches.

GMO foods are likely to become a crucial tool for feeding the world’s growing population, especially in a changing climate. However, the possible risks raise concerns. Genetic engineering of foods is a relatively new practice, which means the long-term effects on safety are not yet clear.

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The adoption of these technological innovations is compromised by regulatory and social barriers. The majority of advances in the applications of genetic engineering for agriculture have taken place recently, which also partly explains the relatively low yield of agricultural production. The ongoing efforts of public and private institutions are rapidly building on current technological innovations.

Finally, biotechnology and genetic engineering are tools that will contribute to solutions for climate change. Algeria’s agricultural sector may need to embrace new technologies and innovations to ensure a sustainable and prosperous future.

[Editor’s note: This article has been translated from French and is edited for clarity.]

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