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The world has seen many changes and technological advances over the last century, but possibly none that hold as many possibilities as genetic engineering. Just as computers and plastics have changed most aspects of modern life since they were invented, biological engineering has the potential to do the same in the future. While the recent technology of genetically enhanced crops, plants, and animals has the potential to greatly benefit humanity, the long-term economic, environmental and social implications of genetic engineering are uncertain and need to be examined further.Genetic technology now allows scientist, corporations and governments to manipulate the natural world at the most fundamental level – the genetic one. Strictly speaking, genetic engineering is defined as “the manipulation of an organism’s genetic endowment by introducing or eliminating genes through modern biology techniques” (Hagedorn). Changing specific characteristics of organisms is based on changing their DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid; the acid which carries genetic information in a cell). This technology is being used for modifying genes in plants, animals or microorganisms. It is also being used in food production to improve
Currently approximately 800 million people world-wide are so malnourished that they can’t even work or live normal lives (Shapiro 28-29), Every day an estimated 24,000 people die from hunger or hunger related causes. Both the United States and Europe are beginning to develop labeling regulations for genetically manipulated food, which would give consumers a more informed choice. There is much debate about genetic engineering. “Just about everything we eat is derived from livestock, crops and micro-organisms bred specifically to provide food” (Jones, 41-42). controlled by western companies) it is unlikely that poorer countries will have the resources necessary to take advantage of genetic modification technology. Genetic engineering has the potential to eliminate the genetic diversity found in natural organisms. Theoretically genetically modified food could inspire another form of “Green Revolution” which would feed the world better and inevitably benefit less-developed countries. Therefore, the benefits gained by decreasing pesticide usage are often neutralized by the damage caused by increasing overall herbicide usage. It is widely accepted that it is not a shortage of food worldwide, but it’s inaccessibility to less-developed and poorer nations that has resulted in high rates of malnutrition in those countries. At this time the effects of genetically enhanced crops on other species in the environment is unknown. Biotech crops have the potential to considerably reduce pesticide usage, increase yields per acre, raise the nutritional value of food, and require less water to grow. Obviously more research is necessary in order to prevent environmental hazards from this uncertain technology and education is needed for both producers and consumers of genetically enhanced food. Humans have been exploiting “natural” genetic manipulation for centuries through the use of selective breeding and cross-pollination. Department of Agriculture, the Food and Drug Administration, and the Environmental Protection Agency, regulate the use of genetically engineered organisms in the United States. Many of the caterpillars died thus raising disturbing questions as to the poten!tial of widespread threats to natural species from high-tech farming (Nash, 47).
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Acceptance Essays
