Emerging trends: What are the environmental impacts of artificial meat, delivery drones, blockchain and synthetic biology?

The EEA has published four briefings on the implications of emerging trends for the environment and environmental policies in Europe:

• Artificial meat and the environment
• Blockchain and the environment
• Delivery drones and the environment
• Synthetic biology and the environment

The briefings present the results of a horizon-scanning exercise, which drew on a range of sources to identify emerging trends of special relevance for the environment. Although there are currently limited data available to characterise these societal developments, it is crucial to anticipate their potential implications as early as possible.

For example, it is unclear whether drone delivery will replace alternative delivery methods or simply lead to additional delivery trips. Synthetic biology may provide solutions to environmental challenges, such as climate change, but it can also create substantial risks for ecosystems and biodiversity. 

Use of blockchain consumes a lot of energy and potentially increases e-waste but it could also support environmental protection, for example, by making consumption and production processes more transparent. Artificial meat can become an environmentally friendly alternative to livestock farming but, as an emerging technology, its full effects remain uncertain.

To achieve its long-term sustainability objectives, Europe needs to innovate. Yet, in many cases, the full social and environmental consequences of innovations cannot be anticipated in advance. Horizon scanning and other foresight approaches can play an important role in shaping innovation processes and governance frameworks, helping ensure that new technologies are developed and applied in ways that promote environmentally and socially desirable outcomes.