Now that I understand how GMOs work and how they are made, I have begun researching some different impacts that they have on our world. The effects range from health problems to environmental concerns, and here are the three that I think are the most important to know.
When GMOs are introduced, they can sometimes run wild. [1] This negatively affects the environment because this new species may evolve into something unpredictable, or even reduce the genetic diversity of the original plant, potentially leading to its extinction. [2] Estimates tell us that there is a 1 out of 1000 chance that this will happen and introduce unwanted changes to the ecosystem. [1]
GMOs that are herbicide or pesticide-resistant may also increase the use of herbicides, as well as pesticides. [2] Since the crops have been engineered to be resistant to them, farmers can use both herbicides and pesticides in larger quantities, as well as more frequently. [2] In the first 16 years of GMO use, their use went up by over 230 million kg. [2] Although these GMOs have increased the use of herbicides and pesticides, GMOs that are resistant to the pests themselves, rather than pesticides, decrease pesticide use. [3]
GMOs can also have positive impacts, such as being healthier and more nutritious than non-GMO crops. [3] They are also cheaper as GMOs offer increased crop yield, so the consumer can buy nutrient-rich foods for a lesser price. [3] There is hope that these characteristics will be able to help feed our growing population. [4] GMOs have already helped many poorer countries by providing cheaper, nutrient-rich foods. [4]
1.http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.684.2271&rep=rep1&type=pdf
2. https://earthjustice.org/features/engineering-an-environmental-disaster-2
3. https://www.insider.com/gmo-pros-and-cons
4. Sánchez-Paniagua López, M., Manzanares-Palenzuela, C. L., & López-Ruiz, B. (2018). Biosensors for GMO Testing: Nearly 25 Years of Research. Critical Reviews in Analytical Chemistry, 48(5), 391–405. https://doi.org/10.1080/10408347.2018.1442708