Rebecca Gonzalez
Professor Reynolds
English 113B
23 April 2012
GMOs
Affect on the Environment
In today’s growing society, the majority of a communities
concern is focused on food and how to provide a sufficient amount for
ourselves. Genetically Modified Organisms also known as GMOs help society’s
dramatic increase in population. But does modifying organisms contribute to
everyone’s well being or are we ruining the environment by altering the way
nature works?
Genetically
Modified Foods “were introduced commercially in 1996 and now dominate the
production of corn, soybeans, and cotton in the United States,” (GMOs 101). But
as time passes, people might wonder if altering plants and other foods will
take a negative effect on the environment. Not everyone who buys food from
supermarkets is aware that some of the foods they are buying are GMOs. Consumers
do not understand the possible effects that GMOs cause on their health or the
environment.
A
negative issue of GMOs that affect the environment is that “… crop plants engineered for
herbicide tolerance and weeds will cross-breed, resulting in the transfer of
the herbicide resistance genes from the crops into the weeds. These
"superweeds" would then be herbicide tolerant as well. Other
introduced genes may cross over into non-modified crops planted next to GM
crops,” (Whitman). This is an issue because if we continue to create
Genetically Modified Organisms, pretty soon there will be no organic foods left
and all plants grown could become genetically modified. If scientists are not
limited to what they modify, there is a possibility that nature can be altered
passed the point of no return.
“Last winter, the Department of
Agriculture deregulated Monsanto’s genetically modified alfalfa, despite
concerns about cross-pollination of non-genetically modified crops,” (Bitman). If
we continue modifying foods, future organic crops DNA may be contaminated and
may cause the reaction that the only foods available will be Genetically
Engineered Foods.
Monsanto’s
facility, “… is [one of] the first of its kind in agriculture and focuses on
how to maintain or increase crop productivity by maximizing the crop’s water
use – and what are the tools farmers need to do this,” (Monsanto). Although
their goals are to provide seeds to farmers so they are able to grow more
crops, they mainly put farmers in debt or out of business. This has a negative
effect on the environment because the farmers have to obey theses companies
rules and have continue to grow genetically modified crops.
Although
limiting scientists who engineer foods is a good idea, other people may disagree.
To them, GMO’s are important to help famers produce more crops especially
during the seasons that are not typically time to grow crops. Many people worry
that because of our increase in population, we may not be able to continue to
have enough foods. They believe that GMO’s are perfect so that we don’t run out
of food for everyone.
It
is suggested that in the year 2050 the world’s population will reach 9 billion
people. “However, the French study … suggested… two possible routes to feeding
the world. One [involving] unsustainable improvements in crop yields which do
not take into account the detrimental impact on the environment,” (Connor).
“At some point will the engendering of all organisms be
controlled by corporations?” (Onray). Genetically Modified Organisms are an
important part of society but it is important that we do not expand our
dependence on that that makes our need for organic food any less important.
In conclusion, Genetically Modified Organisms are
important for our growing community but can be very dangerous towards the
environment.
Works
Cited
"Genetically modified food – fishy, or a taste
of the future? – Eatocracy - CNN.com Blogs."
Eatocracy - CNN.com
Blogs. Cable News Network, 22 Sept. 2010. Web. 26 Apr. 2012.
"GMOs 101 | Organic. It’s Worth It."
Organic. It’s Worth It | . N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Apr. 2012.
"Monsanto Company History ." Monsanto Home. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Apr.
2012.
Bitman, Michael. "Profits Before Environment -
NYTimes.com." Opinion - Opinionator –
NYTimes.com. The New
York Times Company, 30 Aug. 2011. Web. 26 Apr. 2012.
Connor, Steve. "2.4 billion extra people, no
more land: how will we feed the world in
2050? - Science - News
- The Independent." The Independent | News | UK and
Worldwide News |
Newspaper. N.p., 22 Jan. 2011. Web. 26 Apr. 2012.
Whitman, Deborah. "Genetically Modified Foods:
Harmful or Helpful?." ProQuest. ProQuest,
n.d. Web. 26 Apr. 2012.
