GMO Argumentative Essay Example
What do you think of when someone says Genetically Modified crops? Do you think they are harmful to the environment? Genetically Modified crops or GM crops are crops that are crossbred and mutated, so they will not rot quickly and they would stay fresh. Genetically Modified crops have been around since 1994. Scientists have tested GM crops on animals, such as rats, to see if it is safe. GM crops are still around now, but people are still debating on if it is safe. Eighty percent of crops are now GM crops. Genetically Modified crops affect the environment by decreasing the use of harmful pesticide, increasing destructive cross-contamination, and increasing biodiversity.
Genetically Modified crops affect the environment by reducing the use of pesticides. The ISSA states “One of the significant environmental benefits of GM crops is the dramatic reduction in pesticide use, with the size of the reduction varying between crops and introduced trait.” The ACSH stated “We've stated before that GMOs actually reduce pesticide use and now a new meta-analysis of GM crop impacts provides more evidence to support this fact.” and “They also found that GM technology has reduced chemical pesticide use by 37 percent.” Pesticides are the toxic substance used to kill weeds, insects, fungus, and some animals. The toxic substance has a lot of chemicals which can hurt humans too. Since now the usage of toxic pesticides is decreasing which leads to a healthier environment.
Genetically Modified crops affect the environment by developing cross-contamination. OneGreenPlanet stated, “Even if a farmer does not use GMO crops, the risk of cross-contamination with GMO seeds is common.” The Foodandwaterwatch states “GMO crops can contaminate non-GMO and organic crops through cross-pollination on the field or through seed or grain mixing post-harvest.” Cross-contamination is the process by which bacteria or other microorganisms are unintentionally transferred from one substance or object to another. Cross-contamination can make organic food non-organic. Cross-contamination can cause unknown crossbreeds which can be dangerous to humans and animals.
Lastly, Genetically Modified crops can affect the environment by increasing the variety of organisms. “Although there is little evidence that GMOs have impacted genetic diversity in today’s environment, scientists and ecologists are very aware of the potential influence that GMOs have on biodiversity”(Landry). The American Interest says, “A team of scientists from Brazil and the UK has new research that suggests that GMO crops cannot only feed more people, they can also boost biodiversity.” Increasing biodiversity is good because it boosts the productivity of an ecosystem. Even tiny microorganisms have an important role in the ecosystem. Tiny microorganisms can help the ecosystem by playing a big role in the food chain.
GM crops can be both beneficial and harmful to the environment. It is important to know how GM crops can affect the environment because people need to know how to keep the environment safe and healthy. A healthy environment is productive and it helps humans as well. This helps the food chain and the ecosystem with a symbiotic relationship.GM crops cause cross-contamination which is harmful to the environment. GM crops can help decrease the use of pesticide, and increase biodiversity which is beneficial for the environment. GM crops are both beneficial and harmful to the environment. What do you think?
