This article examines the practice of synthetic biology, and its relevance in terms of technoscientific responses to the Anthropocene. The article offers a brief history of the practice, and contextualises synthetic biology within the wider field of controversial ‘technofixes’ that are proposed for ameliorating the existential challenge that is the Anthropocene. In particular, it explores the emerging relationship between conservation biology and synthetic biology, whereby the latter is put forward as an integral means for intervening in ecosystems and evolution itself.