Genetically Modified Organisms And Its Impact On The...

Have you ever wondered whether or not the foods we eat are safe? Nowadays, more than 70% of our products on food shelves contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Through the groundbreaking discovery of the structure of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) by scientists James Watson and Francis Crick, in 1953, many scientists are now able to edit and reconstruct genes in foods as basic as rice, meat, and corn, to name a few. GMOs should be banned in the United States because of their environmental, social, and economical harmful effects. GMOs should be prohibited due to their detrimental impact on the environment. The debate over the environmental impact of GM crops is growing increasingly complex, intense, and extremely emotional. GMOs are†¦show more content†¦The insects threatening these crops developed resistance to the insecticide and caused great harm to the non-modified and modified crops (49). Also, attempts to uniform crops, or monoculture, will fuel genetic diversity loss. Genetic diversity is what helps crops adapt to weather and survive diseases; without genetic diversity, farmers will resort to using chemicals on their crops from those same companies that weakened their crops (Fox 83). Another example of biodiversity loss is eutrophication, the enrichment of ecosystems with chemicals. Bt itself is a built-in insecticide that is manufactured with more chemicals than traditional insecticides. It is first introduced into the plant and eventually spreads its harmful toxins into humans and animals. What is most alarming is the transmission of this detrimental poison into marine life. Oyster populations in the Chesapeake Bay, for example, have declined by 96 percent due to eutrophication from Bt (Hewitt). This is alarming because 60 percent of the world’s population relies on 40 percent of marine life as a source of food (Hewitt). The genetic modification of Bt crops also has an adverse effect on terrestrial life. This is further illustrated by a decrease in the number of predatory birds during the 1960’s and 1970’s from insecticide; more specifically, bald eagles have declined by at least 6 percent from its usage (Hewitt). GMOs advocates are advising the idea of includingShow MoreRelatedThe Impact Of Genetically Modified Organisms And The Environment705 Words   |  3 PagesThe genetically modified organism has caused illnesses, and destroying our environment for several decades, and are organisms engineered to increase the food supply globally and control animal reproduction. GMOs are an important concern because they are causing illnesses in some humans and organisms. Also, the increase of GMO products will cause unemployment in the farming industry. These organisms are harming the environment, creating social competition, and causing a decline economically. 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