Genome engineering of plant photosynthesis for carbon sequestration

Abstract

Anthropogenic carbon emissions have destabilized Earth’s carbon cycle, triggering cascading effects on climate and biodiversity. Plant-based carbon dioxide removal (CDR) presents a scalable, economically viable path to atmospheric carbon sequestration through soil carbon deposition, dedicated biomass cultivation and strategic agroforestry. Although photosynthesis drives terrestrial carbon capture, effective CDR strategies demand genetic optimization of carbon assimilation, retention and storage. The regulatory landscape is restrictive towards transgenic crops yet permissive of genome editing, creating a window for intervention. Advances in CRISPR-based editing, computational plant trait prediction and delivery systems for gene-editing tools in planta enable precision engineering of plant phenotypes to increase photosynthetic efficiency and carbon sequestration capacity. In this Review, we map the molecular and physiological innovations required to realize plant-based CDR at climate-relevant scales. Beyond optimizing carbon capture itself, we examine strategies to engineer enhanced biomass accumulation, improve nitrogen and water use efficiency, and stabilize carbon storage in plant and soil systems. We further assess the opportunities, implementation challenges and the potential of deploying genome-edited crops as a cornerstone of global carbon management. Gene editing to enhance photosynthesis in crop plants offers a strategy to boost plant carbon capture and mitigate climate change. This Review explores the agronomic, molecular and technical challenges in engineering photosynthesis for carbon sequestration as well as the genetic tools and editing technologies that can improve plant productivity and carbon storage.