Name: The dawn of de-extinction. Are you ready?
Uploaded: 2013-03-13T15:07:28Z
Duration: 18 min 7 s
Description: Throughout humankind's history, we've driven species after species extinct: the passenger pigeon, the Eastern cougar, the dodo ... But now, says Stewart Brand, we have the technology (and the biology) to bring back species that humanity wiped out. So -- should we? Which ones? He asks a big question whose answer is closer than you may think.

Throughout humankind's history, we've driven species after species extinct: the passenger pigeon, the Eastern cougar, the dodo ... But now, says Stewart Brand, we have the technology (and the biology) to bring back species that humanity wiped out. So -- should we? Which ones? He asks a big question whose answer is closer than you may think.

The dawn of de-extinction. Are you ready?

Species once thought lost forever, like the passenger pigeon that once darkened North American skies with flocks billions strong, could now be brought back using advances in genetic engineering. Scientists are combining ancient DNA from museum samples with modern technology to attempt de-extinction, from birds to big mammals. This approach could help repair ecosystems and undo some of humanity’s historic damage to nature. The movement also raises urgent questions about ethics, unintended consequences, and the balance between restoring lost species and protecting those still alive.