I have found many online articles, some recent and some older from around 2000-2005. My worry is that some of the information is dated because science and technology by nature is such an evolving field. I have found both factual objective readings as well as editorial subjective ones.
Pros:
Most of the arguments for genetic engineering in agriculture are based in economics. Some specifics are that it helps in terms of pest resistance. Every year farmers lose crops and money because of insect problems with their crops. Crops are altered such that they are posinous to most insects, but not to humans or animals. Other arguements are herbicide resistance. It makes it more economically friendly to give them this gene so you can use herbicides to kill the weeds, but not the plants. Aside from a larger yield GMOs help by making food more nutritional, certain qualities can be added that help the human body. Conversely viruses vaccinations can be administered through GMOs, a much more cost effective method in many third world countries.
Cons:
The cons are divided into four distinct groups
Environmental: The risk that these traits can be selected against through microevolution we could inadvertantly create "superinsects" and "superweeds" that are resistant to the pesticides in the crops or the herbicides we use.
Human Health Risks: None have been proven concretely, but there may be a correlation between GMOs and a spike in food allergies.
Economic:There have been many legal ramifacations regarding the patents on many of this bioagricultural tech. Most notably Monsanto
Moral: many contend that it is wrong to alter nature in such a way
I really like the way you formatted this by dividing it into pros and cons; with such a pertinent issue, it was a good way of showing both sides. Go into more detail about the modification process of crops and how it can cause some of the cons, such as the health risks and economic problems. Interesting topic, I wonder what your thesis will be!
ReplyDeleteVery interesting. I like where this is headed, and I think the pro/con argument is a great way to go about doing this topic.
ReplyDeleteSince I feel like the cons are the much more widely supported argument in Brookline and our area, I would almost want to say that you should focus on the pros and make your argument that GMOs are beneficial and that they should absolutely be used. I think by doing that, whether you agree with your point or not, it makes for a much more engaging essay than something that just falls in line with most people's beliefs. But that's just my opinion.
Nice topic! It seems you have no issues finding any information for your topic. Like Campbell said, its never really interesting to read a paper that never picks a side, I'm sure you know this from History and any other papers you write, so pick a side and stick with that. Great job so far!
ReplyDelete