GM Crops and the environment

The World Health Organization estimates that the earth’s population will reach 9 billion by 2050. The vast majority of this increase will occur in the developing countries of South East Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, and it is estimated that >50% of this population will live in urban areas.

To meet this challenge over the next 50 years, we must double-to-triple the production of food on, essentially, the same area of land in the face of decreasing water supplies and with respect to the environment. This will be made more difficult by the consequences of global warming, such as increased climatic variability, changing patterns of rainfall and new pests and diseases. At the same time there must be a cessation of wilderness erosion to protect biodiversity and maintain ecosystems.

There is a multitude of concerns about the impact of GM crops on the environment.

Many scientists believe that the application of biotechnology to agriculture—together with plant breeding and improved agricultural practice—may provide solutions to some of the challenges outlined above. We do not claim that GM crops will feed the world or eliminate poverty. But in order to both satisfy the environmental concerns that come with modern agriculture and global warming, while still feeding the increasing world population in a sustainable and nutritious manner, we must assume responsibility for fully evaluating this technology for future generations.

can we eliminate the poverty?

As with many new technologies, people are keen to embrace the benefits but reluctant to accept potential risks!

By Erma