The Pros And Cons Of Biotechnology

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In a world where its population is increasing dramatically and more people are demanding more food it may be difficult for some to understand why biotechnology is considered to be a double-edged sword. One example of the many applications of modern biotechnology is the use of GMOs (genetically modified organisms) in the food production chain. GMOs are organisms such as plants, animals or microorganisms in which their genetic material (DNA) has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally by mating or natural recombination. Although many people believe that food products of biotechnology are beneficial to the society, GMOs are bad for the environment and human health. Some of the environmental impacts that are associated with GMOs use …show more content…
The technology has also contributed an extra 18.2 million tons of cotton lint and 6.6 million tons of canola. Also , it was mentioned in this article that Crop biotechnology helps farmers earn reasonable incomes for their work. The net economic benefit at the farm level in 2012 was $18.8 billion, equal to an average increase in income of $117/hectare. For the 17 year period (1996-2012), the global farm income gain has been $116.6 billion. Moreover, many GMO industries claim that genetically modified organisms are environmentally safe and that there's no nutritional difference between GMOs and traditional crops. According to them we don't need to know whether the products we are buying are genetically modified or not, so no labeling is required. Furthermore, according to (“Crop biotechnology has consistently provided important economic and production gains, improved incomes and reduced risk”) , The herbicide tolerant (HT) technology used in soybeans and canola has also contributed to increased production in some countries; by helping farmers in Argentina grow a crop of soybeans after wheat in the same growing season (3), through higher yields and improved weed control. While some people claim what have been mentioned above, the truth is that GMOs are bad for the environment and human health. Some of the environmental impacts are associated with GMOs use like increased toxicity in harmless non-target species, threatened soil ecosystem, and increased weed tolerance to herbicide. As for the potential health risks associated with GMOs consumption, studies have shown
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