A genetically modified plant is like a superhero compared to natural plants: it can resist to pests and disease, it has the ability to grow in a drought, survive in flood and harsh temperatures, it does not need toxic chemicals to act as pesticides or otherwise aid or protect the plants’ growth; and has a nutritious and delicious outcome. These plants with enhanced capabilities are said to be the solution to world hunger because of their incredible efficiency. The importance of efficient plants is becoming a necessity with the increasing population which will require a higher demand in food production; the latter is effectively attainable with genetically modified foods. The increasing global population will double demand for agricultural
Above: The genetically modified corn compared to the non-genetically modified counterpart.
production by 2050. How will we feed all the citizens of the world with limited resources? The solution of genetically modified foods is at our disposal; it is up to the people to use it. Nevertheless, there are still anti-GMO corporations who will speculate that the safety of genetically modified foods is unknown. However, a 2008 review published by the Royal Society of Medicine noted that GM foods have been eaten by millions of people worldwide for over 15 years, with no reports of ill effects. In truth, biotech crops undergo more testing and oversight before commercialization than any other agricultural products, including conventional crops. Also, many anti-GMO companies are not aware that genetically modified foods present the possibility of major health breakthroughs. For instance, vaccinating people with new edible vaccines will be a great promise. This revolutionary vaccine has many different advantages. These edible vaccines hold great potential, especially in Third World countries where transport costs, poor refrigeration and needle use complicates vaccine administration. Moreover, the vaccine production is cheaper and safer because there is no risk of contamination by used needles. The possibilities of these vaccines are extraordinary, as are so many of the other uses that the companies may find with further studies on gm foods. With all the advantages that have been named, it has also been proven that genetically modified organisms have beneficial effects for the environment. In effect, two British economists have noted that 10 000 000 tons of greenhouse gas have been reduced in the past 10 years. This reduction is equivalent to eliminating 5 million vehicles yearly. With the huge issue of pollution, GMO’s reduce the pollution while still being more effective; who would be against killing two birds with one stone? It could also help prevent environmental damage by reducing the amount of herbicides needed. In fact, 172 000 tons of pesticides were reduced throughout different countries and there was a 14% reduction in the environmental foot print associated with the use of pesticides in the past 10 years. According to the National Center of Food and Agricultural Policy, the USA GMO farmers reduced their use of pesticides by 46 000 pounds each year since 1996. This is beneficial because the harmful and expensive chemicals used in pesticides that affect both the environment and the consumers are now eliminated. Furthermore, scientists predict that, in the future, Earth is going to experience major climate changes. With genetically modified plants, we are prepared to deal with this issue thanks to these strengthened organisms.
With all the brilliant ideas related to genetically modified organisms, where is the downside? They can help solve problems such as world hunger and health issues with their efficiency and the ability to create edible vaccines. They help the environment in many ways and have the potential to solve huge problems that may appear in the future such as a severe climate change. Many people feel that genetic engineering is the inevitable wave of the future and that we cannot afford to ignore a technology that has such enormous potential benefits. With all this being said, what is there left to fear?
