“I’m a scientist who loves science and believes science and technology
can help build a better world and combat world hunger. But it must be
the right
kind of science and technology, and it must be decided by people themselves. Nature is interconnected and dynamic. But proponents of genetic engineering got stuck in the age of mechanics - the technology is just not innovative enough!” --Mae Van Ho, Professor of biology at the open University,
kind of science and technology, and it must be decided by people themselves. Nature is interconnected and dynamic. But proponents of genetic engineering got stuck in the age of mechanics - the technology is just not innovative enough!” --Mae Van Ho, Professor of biology at the open University,
IFOAM GMO Brochure -The facts and the fiction, from bees and carrots 4 stories, your questions our answers
GMOs are living beings, they can spread and propagate. They can pass their foreign genes to wild species. Once released, it will be virtually impossible to recall genetically engineered organisms back into the
laboratory. We are opening Pandora’s box.
Some possible negative consequences for the environment include:
• Pollen from genetically engineered plants can contaminate wild species.
• Resistance amongst pests and diseases can develop.
• Soil organisms may be adversely affected by GM- crops. Toxic Bt has been found to persist in the soil for months, thus causing potential damage to soil-food-webs.
• Fish are being engineered to grow fast and increase in size. Giant GM-fish, having
• Bacteria and viruses are genetically manipulated for a wide range of traits. If they escape or if they are released to the environment, they could have even worse ‘side-effects’ than plants and animals, because they reproduce and mutate much faster.
Genetically Modified vs. Organic
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