Limiting Human Genomic Data Generation and Retention for Environmental Reasons

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Genomic Data Ethics
• Bioinformatics

Background:

• Exponential growth in human genomic data presents significant, yet under-examined, environmental concerns.
• Activities like data generation, storage, processing, and sharing consume substantial energy and resources, leading to environmental harm.
• The scale of these harms, while smaller than some industries, warrants ethical consideration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the environmental harms associated with human genomic data.
• To propose ethical responses and mitigation strategies for these environmental challenges.
• To argue for limitations on genomic data generation and retention.

Main Methods:

• Ethical analysis of environmental impacts from genomic data lifecycles.
• Review of current data handling practices and infrastructure.
• Exploration of mitigation strategies, including data limitation.

Main Results:

• Environmental harms from genomic data necessitate ethical scrutiny.
• Optimizing data handling and infrastructure is insufficient on its own.
• Limiting genomic data generation and storage is a necessary strategy in some cases.

Conclusions:

• Uncertain future benefits of genomic data do not justify unlimited generation and retention.
• Decisions on data limitation must weigh potential benefits against environmental harms and social equity.
• A balanced approach considering environmental sustainability and research value is crucial for responsible genomic data stewardship.