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This research paper explores alternative approaches to ensuring human offspring sustainability in the face of escalating environmental, social, and economic challenges. Specifically, it examines the concept of Pantropy—the hypothetical use of bioengineering to adapt humans to harsh environments - proposing it as a viable strategy for personal survival.

Traditionally, efforts to address environmental challenges have focused on terraforming or altering the environment itself to sustain life on Earth. Even though harsh environmental conditions on Earth that threaten life sustainability are escalating due to human impact (e.g. global climate change, pandemics, global economic instability, global increase of violence etc.), the focus of intervention is still on changing the environment instead of considering changing us. However, recent advances in bioengineering now make it feasible to consider reshaping ourselves to better withstand hostile environmental conditions. This paper argues that applied Pantropy, through bioengineering, could present an innovative alternative to environmental manipulation, which is sustainable, noninvasive and the most respectful to the other.

By examining state of the art case studies examples of social use of related bioengineering technologies as found in art and applied science; from hybrid stem cells, species hybridization, in vitro organs to somatic gene therapies - the paper highlights both the potential and limitations of Pantropy today. Through these examples, the research considers how bioengineering technologies might offer new pathways to human adaptation and survival in an increasingly hostile world, while also reflecting on the ethical, social, political and technological challenges that come with such interventions.