GMO: Pro or Opposed?

 

 

 



 Genetically engineered crops, also known as genetically modified organisms (GMO) have come into global debate since their introduction aproximately 25 years ago. In lamens terms, the idea behind genetically altering plants is to provide them with certain desired characteristics or traits (genes) that would be to the plants', as well as a society's benefit to possess; traits such as salination/drought resistance, insects/pest resistance, herbicide resistance and flood resistance.

That's a good thing, right!? Less destruction from pests, weed invasions and natural disasters means more food.

Unfortunately, along with resistance to specific insects or herbicides a growing immunity can be built up within secondary insects and weeds. Unknown health side-effects could also be a possibility when it comes to genetically altering plants.  And herein lies the dilema: At what expense, both environmentally and economically do GMO's benefit society as a whole?

To solve this dilema is the million dollar question.

Recently, National Geographic published an article on world populations. They projected that by the end of 2011 there will be 7 billion people living on this planet. 7,000,000,000 people. Another researcher projected that in 2050 alone, we will need all of the food that has been produced since man began cultivating crops just to feed the population for that year alone. That's an overwhelming thought. So, too is the thought that this production will have to be done using significantly less farmland. As populations grow, farmland will be used for developing urban areas.

This brings us full circle to whether or not GM crops are environmentally and economically beneficial.

In my opinion, genetic engineering is a technological advancement that has its place in crop breeding (http://goldenrice.org/).  But, along with many great inventions should be held to a standard. Scientist should not be allowed to tamper with genetics if the end result is environmentally damaging to specific niches around the world. In my opinion, while there is negative drawback towards GM crops, convential methods of breeding cannot suffice in supporting rapidly growing population. Therefore, it is imperative that new, innovative ways of breeding crops are at least given a chance.