Canadian And World Issues- GMO and the Bee - Essay Example

Canadian and World Issues- GMO and the Bee Canadian and World Issues- GMO and the Bee Introduction Genetically modified organisms are characteristic of genetic orientation alteration through genetic engineering techniques. Genetic engineering techniques are the major source of genetically modified foods. Genetic engineering is widely applicable in the field of biochemistry, genetic engineering and biotechnology (Heller, 2006). The organisms exhibit both negative and positive influence in the world’s socio-economic status.

This is so even though the negatives or cons of the same far outweigh the positives or pros. According to Ghosh and Jepson (2006), genetically modified organisms are grown in nearly six million hectares in Canada, annually.Q 1GMOs affect the environment and systems in different perspectives. Use of GM plants encourages the use of herbicides and insecticides in farming (Lichtfouse, 2010). These herbicides can potentially harm birds, insects, soil organisms and marine ecosystems owing to its toxicity.

This brings about a reduction in biodiversity, pollution of water resources and there an almost zero sustainability. The GMOs also cause reduced births and regeneration of other species of plants and animals (Carter, Moschini & Sheldon, 2011). The long-term effects of GMOs are usually unpredictable. GMOs may cause long-term toxicity of the organisms through unclean agricultural methods. Toxicity of organisms is promoted by their likelihood to develop bioaccumulation effects of chemicals from pesticides.

The explicit nature of the GM crops is such that there are fewer weed flowers, meaning less nectar for prospective cross pollinators. Specific constraints associated with GMOs include increased cases of food allergies, significant decrease in the foods’ nutritional value and increased body resistance to antibioticsQ 2 Scientifically, through comparable research findings, it is highly un-recommended that an individual eat GM foods on a daily basis. In fact, consumption of GM foods has no complete approval from both health experts and the scientific community who have established the side effects of GMOs (Carter, Moschini & Sheldon, 2011).

Therefore, a person would have numerous problems by opting to consume GMO regularly including enhanced chances for nutritional – related ailments such as diabetes, anemia and food poisoning.Q 3It is a factual assertion that human food supply is an interconnected system of processes and inputs by different actors. The components of the food supply work in a coordinated and integrated manner with each one complementing the other. So said, it therefore mean that no system within the human food supply system can work independent of the other.

Bees play an important role at the initial stages of food production by aiding in pollination of the flowering plants. Absence of bees due to their disappearance caused by scorching effects of GMOs would result in a disrupted food supply chain.Q 4Economists and proponents of the genetic engineering technology argue that genetically modified crops are the best option to o address food security. They argue that genetically modified plants grow within a short period to maturity. They consume very little labor and capital input.

However, social and physical scientists and medical professionals would argue from the same page that GMO of whatever nature is not recommended for human consumption, and should not be embraced as an option for deteriorating food demand (Carter, Moschini & Sheldon, 2011). Q 5 After analyzing the pros and cons of genetically modified foods, it is imperative to assert that a population would rather rely on the pure methods of food production where there is definition as to the roles of everyone within the whole system of production and supply.

It would be cheap in the long run and healthy for the population.Q 6Economically, there is a high likelihood of lack of sustainability in terms of expenditure and consumption. However, there would be absolute health sustainability owing to the health forms of food consumption void of nutritional constraints.ReferenceCarter, C. A., Moschini, G., & Sheldon, I. M. (2011). Genetically Modified Food And Global Welfare. Bingley, UK: Emerald.Ghosh, K., & Jepson, P. C. (2006). Genetically modified organisms in crop production and their effects on the environment: Methodologies for monitoring and the way ahead : expert consultation, 18-20 January 2005 : report and selected papers.

Rome: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.Heller, K. (2006). Genetically Engineered Food: Methods and Detection. Weinheim: Wiley-VCH.Lichtfouse, E. (2010). Genetic Engineering, Biofertilisation, Soil Quality and Organic Farming. Dordrecht: Springer.