Read the following article: US OKs Genetically Engineered Trees in South; May Be Used for Biofuel . Describe both sides to this story. How might this affect our environment - good and bad?What would you choose to do?
Monday, May 17, 2010
GMO Eukalyptus Trees
Read the following article: US OKs Genetically Engineered Trees in South; May Be Used for Biofuel . Describe both sides to this story. How might this affect our environment - good and bad?What would you choose to do?
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A GMO is basically an organism whose genetic makeup has been artifically altered, usually by humans through technology. GMOs are benefitial because with our technology, we can alter organisms to fit our needs and wants, to produce what we want, to be tolerant of this or that, and so on. They have the potential to make our lives easier. However, GMOs ARE artificial, and there is a chance or risk that the GMOs we create may run out of control, or do things we didn't exaclty plan for it. These trees that ArborGen are allowing to be planted are cold-tolerant. Based on some field tests, the USDA declared that these trees will not pose threats to our environment, and are unlikely to change it very much. However, critics are concerned the trees may become invasive, or protrude into the environment in an unpleasant way. For my view, I really do not find much of a point in these cold-tolerant trees. Trees were naturally made to have their seasons, to whither and die at one point, and to thrive at another. Why change that? Does it not keep the Earth beautiful? If we had them during every season, they would become common, not something to look forward to when the weather got warmer.
ReplyDeleteA GMO is an organism which has had some kind of artificial genetic modification. The trees that ArborGen is proposing to grow are modified to be cold-tolerant. These trees could be a possible feedstock for bio-fuel. The USDA found by field testing that the trees aren't likely to pose any threat to the natural environment. However, some people claim that the trees could become invasive, and if the trees become invasive then they might decrease the populations of natural trees.
ReplyDeleteA GMO is a genetically modified organism produced by humans, usually with the intent to help Earth or make life easier. In this particular context, ArborGen plans to plant genetically modified eucalyptus trees in some southern states. The benefit: These trees will be cold tolerant and will create more trees for paper uses. These trees have been designed to not produce pollen and will likely not affect the environment. Although all this seems like a good argument, some are afraid the trees might become invasive and have unknown effects on the Southern habitats.
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