Arguments for and against GM Technology
Currently, our world faces a major problem of the shortage of food supplies to feed its growing population. Although scientists have discovered a possible way of tackling this problem by the use of genetically modified foods, this development has been surrounded by several facts, fears, concerns, and myths. The adoption of GM foods is able to solve the problem of food shortage in a number of ways.
First, by building intrinsic crop resistant mechanisms to pests, herbicides, cold, drought, and infections, this technology is able to increase the production of food to meet the demand of the world’s booming population. This, in turn, would lead to decreased production costs since fewer control measures would be used. Second, malnutrition is a common problem, especially in developing countries. The use of GM technology is able to ensure that crops have adequate levels of beneficial nutrients, hence solve the malnutrition problem.
On the other hand, there are various controversies surrounding the adoption of this technology. Many people have raised questions concerning the safety of foods produced by this technology since their possible health impacts on other organisms are not known. Moreover, the adoption of this technology poses some risks to the environment, such as the unintentional transfer of transgenes through cross-pollination and the possibility of crops developing increased pest resistance.
The use of the scientific method to assess the safety of the technology
The scientific method can be used successfully to prove or disprove the safety of this technology. This method of investigation entails the collection of recognizable, experimental, as well as quantifiable proofs subject to particular principles of reasoning in six key steps. The steps are asking a question, undertaking background research, constructing a hypothesis, testing the hypothesis by doing an experiment, analyzing the data and drawing conclusions, and, lastly, communicating the results of the study in a final report. The scientific method is an objective process that makes it to be unbiased in the interpretation of results, and the findings are usually available for the careful analysis of the other scientists.
Risks that society should be willing to accept in order to have food
In order to have an adequate supply of food, the society must be willing to accept some risks since to achieve zero risks in the production of GM crops and food is impossible. The risks that are perceived to be associated with the adoption of GM technology include the potential that the novel allergens will be introduced into the food supply from products derived from GM plants, the possibility for pests to evolve resistance to the specific-resistant GM plants, and the probability of the formation of a ‘superweed.” Others are the possibility that the products of this technology will accidentally affect non-target pests and the likelihood that the antibiotic resistance genes used in genetic engineering will lead to more cases of antibiotic resistance in both animals and people.
My opinion on the use of GM technology
GM crops and food are here to stay. The adoption of this technology in food production will end the world’s inadequate supply of food and malnutrition problems. Moreover, the technology will enable environmental sustainability through increasing the rate of production and lowering the reliance on pesticides and herbicides. Since it is clear that the advantages of this powerful technology outweigh its disadvantages, the concerns that have been raised concerning its adoption ought to be addressed positively. Consequently, progress towards its complete adoption must be made, but with caution, so as not to disregard its long-term safety and environmental impacts.