But it's a long way from basic discoveries to applications that are technically practical and economically worthwhile. Preliminary information such as this is often promoted in order to raise funds for further research and development work. As a result, the potential value of a discovery is sometimes confused with its final application. Wishful thinking causes people to talk and act as though something is inevitable, even when there may be many years of work still to be done, and no guarantee at all of success.

Environmental biotechnology will undoubtedly solve some of the problems of pollution in ways far better than any we have today. But it will not solve them all, nor will it help avert the environmental threats of overpopulation or consumerism. In the confusing climate of optimism and fear, greed and despair, that heralds the 21st century, it is well to remember that very few prophecies ever come true.