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Environmental risks
Genetically engineered crops cannot be segragated from their natural forebears in the wild.
Enlarge ImageThe planting of GE crops on millions of hectares of land and their introduction into our food supply is a giant genetic experiment. As reproducing organisms, GE crops form a type of living, genetic pollution, posing environmental risks that are unpredictable and possibly irreversible. Because we know so little about how these novel organisms will act in the environment, and because these living organisms can multiply and spread, the potentially harmful effects of GE organisms may only be discovered when it is too late.
The most serious environmental threat posed by GE crops is the loss of biodiversity. Nature and traditional breeding techniques have created an incredible diversity of crops.
Genetic diversity is critical to the continuing development of crop varieties resistant to new pests, diseases and changing climatic and environmental conditions. In this way, diversity is essential for global food security. GE seeds have already started contaminating GE-free fields, threatening crop diversity around the world. For example, GE contamination of corn in Mexico has been well documented in a report by NAFTA's environmental commission.
There are many other examples of genetic contamination around the world. In addition, if wild plants such as weeds crossbreed with herbicide-resistant GE crops, they have the potential to form 'superweeds' that are resistant to herbicide.
The most serious environmental threat posed by GE crops is the loss of biodiversity. Nature and traditional breeding techniques have created an incredible diversity of crops.
Genetic diversity is critical to the continuing development of crop varieties resistant to new pests, diseases and changing climatic and environmental conditions. In this way, diversity is essential for global food security. GE seeds have already started contaminating GE-free fields, threatening crop diversity around the world. For example, GE contamination of corn in Mexico has been well documented in a report by NAFTA's environmental commission.
There are many other examples of genetic contamination around the world. In addition, if wild plants such as weeds crossbreed with herbicide-resistant GE crops, they have the potential to form 'superweeds' that are resistant to herbicide.
