Genetically Modified Crops

This week in class we watched a video about the creation and effects of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Besides the environmental and health concerns, they also touched upon ethical concerns. Should developing countries grow GMOs?

The video showed testimonies of both sides: activists from groups like Greenpeace and the Earth Liberation Front argued against GMOs while scientists and researchers argued for it.

Although I personally feel a little ambivalent about the consumption and use of GMOs, I feel like there are more benefits to using GMOs than not. GMOs are often made to provide resistance to a particular disease or pest. As a result, the overall productivity is increased without the excessive use of pesticides.

I'm not here to argue for any particular side or another. What I want to point out is that while the side supporting GMOs often say that using GMOs will help and benefit people, the activists arguing against claim that we should not create GMOs because the companies that engineer these crops will make profits.

In other words, those that want GMOs want to help, while those against GMOs just want to prevent profit.

It is my opinion that while groups like Greenpeace and the ELF are completely entitled to protesting the use of GMOs, they should have a better reason than just trying to prevent companies making profits. They should put their effort and money to better use. If they feel that distribution is the problem with world hunger, then they should look into ways to better transport that food. Stop trying to prevent the world from moving foward.