Controversy Over GMOs

Have you heard of "GMOs," genetically modified organisms? A famous example is the "tomato fish" - a tomato whose DNA has been cross-bred with coldwater fish so as to make it more cold-resistant. Plants can be bred to be more disease-resistant, to use less water, or simply to taste better to humans. GMO crops are controversial; strict legislation governs their use and the extent of the "modification" of plants that can take place.

GMO crops are controversial for a number of reasons. Some groups express concerns that humans do not know enough to fully comprehend the potentially negative consequences of interfering in natural processes & naturally-produced organisms. Others cite a number of recent studies that have confirmed that GMOs may actually cause problems for those that eat them; one study linked GM soy to sterility.

Proponents of GMO crops cite their pivotal role in the mid- to late-20th century "Green Revolution," which theoretically saved over a billion people from starvation. Crops bred for high yields, hardiness and resistance to insects, as well as a variety of pesticides, herbicides, etc. produced more food than was thought possible before.

Since the Green Revolution, a number of case studies and country-wide experiences have questioned & criticized the Revolution's long-term value. For example, consider the environmental degradation caused by monocropping and high pesticide use. As far as human health is concerned, those who benefited from increased food yields also saw increased rates of cancer due to pesticides.

What do you think? Do the benefits of GMO crops outweigh the negative effects?