By Holly Eaton
Sustainability Studies student
Now that I have stated the benefits towards the use of genetically modified organisms, I must explain the risks associated with them as well. The topic of genetically modified organisms is very controversial right now so a lot of people are strongly against the idea of them. According to a website I found titled “The Risks and Benefits of Genetically Modified Crops: A Multidisciplinary Perspective” there are several risks associated with the use of genetically modified organisms. One of the risks includes disrupting local ecosystems if an ecologically limiting nutrient or protein is produced. If there is a bad chemical or substance in the genetically modified organisms then that could potentially cause the surrounding ecosystems to be harmed in a number of ways.
Another potential risk associated with the use of genetically modified organisms could possibly be the creation of new viruses. With the chemicals that are used in the genetically modified organisms they can cross-contaminate with other plants and possibly cause viruses of some sort to spread. A third possible risk associated with the use of genetically modified organisms is the prevention of farmers to develop their own seed supplies adapted from local conditions. When genetically modified organisms are in use that is what farmers have to plant in their fields. Therefore, farmers are not able to produce their own crops in the way that they want to.
As I relate back to my previous discussions about system conditions we must talk about system condition four which states how does what we eat affect others. When we think about the risks associated with the use of genetically modified organisms we have to think about how this is harmful to our bodies as consumers. As we use these genetically modified organisms in our plants and animals it can cause harmful effects to the consumers that eat them. Not only can it be harmful to our health and wellbeing, it can also be harmful to us economically in a way that we may lose crops or produce.
What are some ways that we can think in a more sustainable way ?
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