Discussion GMOs in Producing Food, Bioaccumulation, Green Revolution and Slow Food Movement - Assignment Example

Part A 2. Where do you stand on the use of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) to produce our food? While some think GMOs are a great way to assure a continuing food supply, others argue that the dangers to the environment and to human health are a significant drawback. Take a stand and provide factual support using data provided in your textbook, in the lecture, from Food Inc. or from a reputable Internet sources. The role of genetically engineered foods in alleviating the world’s food insecurity is, without a doubt, extremely controversial. Indeed, while the potential benefits of the new biological techniques in food production may be exciting in the short term, the truth of the matter is that the long term effects on biodiversity, people’s health and the wider ecosystem are rather obscure. More fundamentally, questions linger on who in particular stands to benefit from this technology; is it the wealthy in search of more wealth or the people in need? Advocates have pointed to the potential benefits that include elimination of pesticides in crop production, the development of disease/cold/drought resistant crops, elimination of malnutrition due to over reliance on certain crops [rice], as well as cost effect way of vaccines production in grown crops (Whitman par 5-10). Nonetheless, non-conclusive reports suggest that GM crops may actually transfer the modified genes to non-target species [weeds], and thus reduce the foregoing effectiveness. There are also mounting fears of unexpected allergic reactions by consumers in addition to unknown health consequences (Whitman par 16-18). Though highly debatable currently, a research conducted on the Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) cotton, grown by small-scale farmers in Asia and other developing nations, indicates that the plant has extensive environmental harm than the original pest control intention (Losey, Rayor and Carter 214). This debate is just but a sideshow away from the real looming crisis-global warming and impending dire consequences. The benefits notwithstanding, the money-profit perspective may the real driver into the GM foods and not food security. Part B 3. What does the acronym HIPPO describe? What does each letter stand for? (5) The acronym HIPPO describes the complex combinative social, economic, political and biological factors that contribute to the unpredicted rate at which the world is losing its biodiversity, particularly through fast extinction of a number of species. Apparently, the irreparable damage so far is a result of varied assaults emanating from different directions, thus the HIPPO; which stands for Habitat destruction, Introduced species, Pollution, Population growth, and Overpopulation. 4. List three types of chemical reactions when two or more chemicals combine and describe each. a) Synthesis reaction-Water [6CO2] +Carbon dioxide [6H2O]….in the presence of light and chlorophyll produces glucose [C6H12O6] + oxygen [6O2]. {Photosynthesis}. ] b) Combustion- Methane [CH4] + [2O2] produces Carbon Dioxide [CO2] and water [H2O] [burning]. c) Acid-base reaction-this type of chemical reaction yields salt and water; an example is reaction between Calcium oxide + hydrochloric acid = calcium chloride + water [CaO + 2HCl = CaCl 2 + H 2 O]. d) 5. What is bioaccumulation – describe it using an example of a food chain in which it might occur. (5) A general term that describes the absorption of toxic substances such as organic chemicals by living organisms within their systems at a rate that exceeds their loss, leading to high concentration of these substances in the body tissues and/or organs of such organisms. DDT [dichloro diphenyl trichloroethane], a substance used as a pesticide, has a half-life of 15 years. A mouse that eats an infected plant, for instance, may be fed on by an eagle, leading to the transfer of the toxins to the bird’s system. Such toxins ultimately destroys the reproductive system of these birds, with their chicks either hatching without proper developmental features or not hatching at all due to softer egg shells, altering the conditions of development. 6. What is the Green Revolution? What were the benefits? What problems did it bring? (5) Green Revolution refers to the introduction of advanced technological initiatives in agricultural production during the third quarter of the 20th century culminating in drastic increases in crop productivity (Hazell par 1). The new technologies greatly increased crop varieties, introduced drought resistant crops, and created plenty of jobs in areas where intensive agriculture is the mains stay. However, the new methods of farming have had their worst side, with the environment being the major casualty; the hitherto biodiversity is no more as numerous species of both plants and animals are becoming extinct each day; large use of chemicals has also altered the surrounding environments for people living near large plantations. 7. List and briefly describe 3 Slow Food Movement practices (aka, alternatives to buying food produced by conventional agriculture). Then state whether you think these practices can or will change our current approach to agriculture. The current Slow Food Movement practices widely rooted for include home cooking with organically grown produce, growing own vegetables, and/or carrying packed lunch to work, schools, and any outings (Severson par 3-7). The fact of the matter is less has been achieved with this movement, as many prefer restaurants such the McDonalds, which has basically contributed to American obese problem through fatty and/or “dead” foods. The future is even grimmer with the population upsurge every day. America is a world leader, and going by the researches in GMOs, it will only be acceptable if it does lead by example. Simply put, it cannot sell GMO foods to the world, and demand organic food. 8. Discuss how we currently use water in an unsustainable way in one of the following sectors. In your discussion, describe the practice, the negative impact of the practice on water supply and any alternative, sustainable practices that could be substituted for the unsustainable practices. a. Industry-the use of traditional cooling towers is still widespread in many industrial plants, yet such a system requires heavy maintenance and consumes millions of gallons of water almost on a daily basis. An intelligent process cooling, proven for years in Europe, is a better alternative to the wasteful traditional methods (Fosco par 7-9). b. Agriculture-constant flood irrigation depletes groundwater resources, and may permanently lead to the collapse of aquifers, particularly in areas that already have their water tables lowered to unsustainable levels. Using reduced-volume irrigation systems such as center-pivot sprinklers, applying water only when absolutely necessary and/or avoiding thirsty crops not suited to specific environments may well help save people from a looming crisis that threatens many livelihoods across the world (McConnell par 7). c. Public water use (homes, office buildings, schools). Many homes in the world over still rely on high-flow Showerheads, wasteful flush toilets and washing sinks. a more sustainable living can be achieved by installing weighted plastic bottles in the toilet tanks, switching to low-flow, high-performance showerheads, and being more aware of water use in sinks/avoiding excessive running water (“Indoor Water Use” par 1-7). 9. List 3 forms of water pollution (groups of pollutants, not specific chemicals) and describe each. Surface water pollution- includes pollution of natural water by hazardous substances either dissolving or mixing physically with water on the earth’s surface [oceans, rivers, lakes, and lagoons]. Oxygen Depleting- occurs when biodegradable matter ends up in these water bodies, aiding the growth of anaerobic organisms that adds toxic substances, thus killing living organisms that depend on oxygen in these waters. Ground water pollution-occurs when hazardous substances [like pesticides and chemicals ] released to the environment finds their way deep into the ground via rain water, thus polluting underground water. Work cited Fosco, Al. Reduce Water Usage, Eliminate Excess Waste. Food Quality and Safety August/September 2010. Web. 21 July 2013. Hazell, Peter B. R. “The Asian Green Revolution.” IFPRI Discussion Paper 2009. Web. 21 July 2013. “Indoor Water Use in the United States.” WaterSense: An EPA Partnership Program. US Environmental Protection Agency, 09 Nov. 2010. Web. 21 July 2013. Losey, John E., Linda S. Rayor and Maureen E. Carter. “Transgenic pollen harms monarch larvae.” Nature 399.6733 (1999):214. Print. McConnell, Kathryn. U.S. Research Advances Sustainable Water Use in Agriculture. IIP Digital, 25 September 2012. Web. 21 July 2013. Severson, Kim. Slow Food Savors Its Big Moment. New York times 23 July 2008. Web. 21 July 2013. Whitman, Deborah. Genetically Modified Foods: Harmful or Helpful. ProQuest April 2010. Web. 21 July 2013. Read More