The science of sustainability: what we've learned from artificial photosynthesis and synthetic meat

As our blog, The Science Behind Sustainability Solutions, wraps up, here's a look back at some of the most innovative solutions to current world problems

Most sustainability efforts focus on fixing problems. Whether the solution involves installing air filtration systems on cruise ships, lobbying for safer meat production or restricting microbead usage, it usually comes after a problem has become a crisis.

But what if we could head off the problem at the beginning of the process, instead of at the end? What if, instead of trying to reduce the emissions from fossil fuels, we could skip the fossil fuels entirely? What if, instead of dealing with the environmental and health problems created by meat production, we could take cattle out of the process?