GMOs Affect on the Environment

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.