The Cost of Genetic Modification

With the introduction of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) into the environment, we have in a sense created our own science. A multitude of problems can potentially arise from the introduction of GMOs into the environment. Due to the uncontrollable characteristics of nature, there are too many unknown factors associated with introducing genetically engineered crops for it to be deemed safe and beneficial.

First of all, when genetic scientists alter these organisms, they are altering life itself (“Environment”). In other words, these organisms are alien to this planet. So, there is no way to tell what implications will result and what effect they have in the short run or long run when it comes to the environment or those who consume these GMO products. With such great uncertainty, why do we still continue to take our chances instead of first doing the proper research over time and then arriving at a decision?

Without extensive testing, it also will be hard to follow how these foreign organisms react in their new environment. The farmers and companies who create these genetically engineered crops will not be able to control what comes into contact with their crops. It is impossible to control natural forces found in nature, so unexpected consequences could occur once the GMOs are placed out in the environment. Some examples of unexpected natural forces are tornadoes, floods, and also wildlife, which can disperse the pollen of these plants for miles. That means these genetically engineered organisms can interbreed and reproduce with natural organisms. They can also spread to new environments with only minimal restraint. This will create future generations of uncontrollable and unpredictable results of mutating and evolution in genetically engineered crops.

Once released into the environment, genetically altered crops can have unintended and devastating effects on the environment. Numerous studies have already demonstrated the potential for the genetically altered material to spread to other plant species and cause ecological damage. For instance, studies have shown that Monarch butterfly populations have been damaged by GMO corn pollen. This unanticipated consequence could be indication of other unintended consequences yet to come. Genetic “drift” cannot be contained. If harm results from a genetically altered organism released into the environment the GMO cannot be recalled. GMOs are irreversible and permanent. (We Oppose GMOs! – http://www.stoneyfieldfarms.com/ido/GMOs.shtml)

Once GMOs escape into the environment (and they already have), they can never be retrieved. The GM genes are spread by hybridization, potentially wiping out entire species and creating new ones. This would irreversibly damage native ecosystems, affecting every other species in the food chain from soil microbes to humans.(What They’re Not Telling Us About GMOs – http://www.socialistalternative.com/justice37/13.html)

An investigation into the potential effects on humans of eating genetically modified foods (GMOs) has shown that they pose more risk to the environment than to humans or animals. “The risks are more related to the impact of unintended release into the environment,” a statement from the Southern African Development Community (SADC). “The risks include unintended gene flow to other crop varieties, plants, animals and micro-organisms.” (GMOs More Harmful To Environment than Humans).

One risk is that the targeted insects will eventually develop resistance to the toxins produced by the crop. Another risk linked to the potential emergence of resistance in insects is that BT might lose its effectiveness as a topical pesticide. In order to maintain its usefulness over the long term BT will have to be used as part of an integrated pest management (IPM) strategy. In contrast to those who worry that BT crops may not be effective enough, others worry that they will be too effective, in the sense that will kill insects other than the targeted pests. While much attention has been focused on the possible environmental risks posed by insect resistance, concerns have also been raised about the use of herbicide resistance. The primary danger here is that herbicide-resistance genes could jump from transgenic crops to other wild or domesticated species, producing “super weeds” that would resist conventional control methods.
(Answers To 10 Frequently Asked Questions About GMOs.)

The aforementioned reasons are why genetically engineered crops should not be introduced into the environment. The consequences related to these organisms “pose unacceptable risks to ecosystems, and have the potential to threaten biodiversity, wildlife, and sustainable forms of agriculture” (“Environment”). In conclusion, the consequences of utilizing GMOs outweigh any positive aspects that may come with these genetically engineered crops.