Genetically Modified Organism (GMO)
Introduction
With the constantly increasing population in the world, food security is an issue of concern to many governments. This begs the question: “How can a country improve and stabilize its food security?” In the twenty-first century, most governments have focused their attention on science.
As Edward O. Wilson puts it, “The race is now on between the techno-scientific and scientific forces that are destroying the living environment and those that can be harnessed to save it. . . . If the race is won, humanity can emerge in far better condition than when it entered, and with most of the diversity of life still intact.” Currently, the contentious issue as regards accepting GMO (Genetically Modified
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A worthy point to note is that GMO products are not specifically directly consumable products. Some GMOs include animals that are genetically improved to withstand different climatic conditions and enhance production. Others are crops that have been improved to stand various climate conditions that are not favorable for agriculture.
Firstly, international organizations like the World Health Organization, have embraced and supported the development of GMOs. As a matter of fact, WHO has posted on its website a list of all approved GMOs that have undergone research and passed the safety test. This is a tremendous effort in an attempt to clear the air in regard to the controversies surrounding the safety of GMOs.
Secondly, it is critical for us to familiarize ourselves with GMOs. According to Julia, GMOs are organisms whose genome has been engineered in the laboratory in order to favor the expression of desired physiological traits or the production of desired biological products (Diaz). These organisms can be plants, animals or
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Just as Edward Wilson said, “Science and technology are what we can do; morality is what we agree we should or should not do.” (The Future of Life: Quotes) Our politicians cannot, therefore, pretend to be moral yet food prices are skyrocketing and making it hard for people to eat healthy. Let us not forget that the same politicians will be on the frontline advocating for GMOs during their campaigns, just in the event that tycoons owning GMO companies support their bids. Governments should be ready to enforce laws that regulate the sale approved GMO products and ensure the authenticity and safety of the products to its people instead.
South Africa, a developing country, experienced its worst food crisis in 2002 due to a drought. South Africa rejected the United States’ food on the basis of media influence that the relief contained GMO which was harmful for human consumption. The media should realize that, although it has the freedom of expression, it also has an obligation of providing the people with correct facts concerning whatever it