Genetically Modified Organisms and Climate Change
Do you remember the organic pushback in the 2010s? Growing up I remember hearing so much fear surrounding GMOs growing. There were protests, lawsuits, legislation, and the like all surrounding the idea that GMOs are harmful. But what are they? And are they actually harmful?
What are they?
A genetically modified organism is one that has had its genetic material (DNA) changed using technology that generally involves the specific modification of DNA. Its a process akin to advanced selective breeding, where plants with the most desirable traits are bred to selectively increase those traits. GMO technology achieves this on a molecular level. Some purposes of genetic modification include resistance to insect damage, plant viruses, and herbicide preparation. A famous example of this process is the Hawaiian Rainbow Papaya. Prior to 1998 the Hawaiian papaya industry was almost completely wiped out by the ringspot virus. However, food scientists developed the Rainbow Papaya through genetic modification which was resistant to the virus and saved the industry.
Are they safe?
If the power of GMOs seems so promising, preserving food production and saving farmers, how did they become so hated? A lot of the issues raised about GMOs came from either ignorance or purposeful misinformation. Unsubstantiated claims were made that GMOs caused allergies or caused cancer or autism. A notable proponent of the anti-GMO movement was Zen Honeycutt, famous for organizing Moms Across America, an anti-GMO advocacy group. On her website, Honeycutt decries the dangers of GMOs giving her own testimonial of how they caused allergies in her son. Her website is flooded with supplement options and a direct link to her affiliate health store. What is lacking in scientific support is most certainly made up for with supplement endorsement. Unfortunately, this brand of fear-mongering surrounding GMOs is in keeping with a general erosion of scientific fact and faith in experts.
How do they impact the environment?
Now, considering how GMOs function, what implications do they have on climate change and the environment? For one, it is important not to dismiss any and all concerns regarding GMOs. There is some concern with Roundup-Ready GMO plants. These plants are specifically formulated to be used with herbicides, which is intended to decrease the use of herbicides overall. Despite this, herbicide usage is still a concerning factor as its usage can run off and negatively impact the surrounding environment. Beyond these concerns, GMOs have already proved massively helpful in adapting to climate change. Drought and monsoon-resistant plants can help with the rising temperature and erratic weather. While not a permanent solution, the adaptive powers of GMOs can help preserve the food supply.
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I used to hear only negative things about GMOs and didn’t really understand them. But after reading this, I see how they can actually help with food problems and deal with climate change too. The story about the Rainbow Papaya was especially surprising it really changed my view. I’m still curious though: how can we use GMOs in a way that doesn’t harm the environment with too many chemicals? Thanks for explaining and sharing!
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of GMOs before but seeing how they are safe and very helpful I feel like it's only a matter of time before they become widely known and used it just a question of when.
ReplyDeleteI remember driving past fields of corn and seeing the non GMO signs and wondering what that was about. Fear mongering and slandering can create a lot of misinformation. I think of how people in America criticized MSG and demonized it, however, that idea has since been debunked and it not what people claimed it to be.
ReplyDeleteGMOs definitely get a bad rep, but the truth is, there's very few fruits, veggies, meats, and grains consumed today that are not genetically modified in some way. Because, as you said, genetic modification can simply mean that there's been selective breeding for desirable traits. GMOs as a whole are the whole reason we can feed such massive populations such a variety of goods, and have crops that are resistant to disease and extreme temperatures.
ReplyDeleteThat said, there is a dark side to GMOs, and unsurprisingly it's usually driven by corporate greed. Monsanto is a prime example here. They genetically engineer crops to be able to withstand their signature pesticides and herbicides (Roundup), and those engineered crops are often infertile. This means farmers who have been roped into their contracts are forced to buy new batches of seeds every year instead of using seeds that would otherwise grow naturally as part of the crop, and they are often obligated to use only Monsanto herbicide/pesticide products. (This is where the cancer claims have some potential validity. It's just not because of the GMOs; it would be due to the excessive use of Roundup.)
As with many other types of tools, genetic engineering can be a force for good or greed, depending on its use and application. I think it is overwhelmingly a force for good, though. We just need to be responsible about it going forward.
Genetically modified organisms (GMOs), often misunderstood and criticized, have the potential to significantly aid in food production and environmental adaptation to climate change, despite concerns about herbicide use and misinformation surrounding their safety.
ReplyDeleteWithin the healthier lifestyle I live I have been told to stay away from GMO'S as much as possible., but hear that GMO's save a whole industry is very interesting.
ReplyDeleteI love the angle you took with this. Genetic modification has helped feed the world for a long time. This, along with selective breeding and domestication of various foods has helped create the amount of food the world needs and even more. It's unfortunate that some parts of the world still don't have the luxury of food even with this technology.
ReplyDeleteThis is super interesting and informative. I had no idea what GMOs were or why I shouldn't have them. I think this is a very interesting take on this topic and you did it very well.
ReplyDeleteIt's crazy to me that GMOs ever ended up being vilified to begin with when from the beginning the science on their safety has been crystal clear. This technology provides an effective way for agriculture to be able to adapt to a changing planet, which will be essential in the future.
ReplyDeleteI did not know much about GMOs so thank you for teaching me a bit. It is crazy that something that could help people survive and have food is protested against and said to be bad. I wonder what we will see about this in the future and the propaganda people will continue to create/spread.
ReplyDeleteIn the debate over GMOs there doesn't seem to be a lot of middle ground. While I see the benefits, and agree that there is a long history of modifying food crops, there is also some GMOs that are truly concerning. How about attaching pig genes to a soy plant so it creates a meatier bean? Or modifying a crop plant so it can escape from a powerful weed killer that is then used broadly?
ReplyDeleteAnything genetically modified seems off to me. I like the approach you took to discussing this, I would like to know more about this.
ReplyDeleteThis was an interesting read because consumers are fed so much labels of "GMOs" or "Non-GMOs", I wonder who really thinks twice about such a label or if people know what it means.
ReplyDeleteIt has been a long time since I have heard people mention GMOs and food modifications. Growing up, my mom used to never let us eat food with GMOs and artificial preservatives, it was unknown what the health risks would be. Thank you for giving both background knowledge and how GMOs work in foods as well. Very informative post!
ReplyDeleteI appreciate the exploration of GMOs! The general concept of GMOs is really fascinating to me, but also off putting in may ways. I had no idea that some genetically modified crops were modified to be used with herbicide though.
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