Norman Borlaug In Mexico Case Study

In the article about Norman Borlaug, Justin Gillis, stated how Dr. Borlaug said the agriculture in Mexico was very poor and it reminded me of the last case study we did. The subpar quality of land in Mexico was a push factor for immigration because that caused less opportunity for new jobs and food, hurting the overall economy. Dr. Borlaug’s creation of the rust resistant wheat was genius, not only did he create a food source, but more job opportunities for workers. (Gillis) Being in Botany, I have learned that cross-breeding plants can be very useful for areas of land that are unable to sustain much plant life, such as Dr. Borlaug did in Mexico. The seeds for breeding that are produced by the genetically modified crops will most likely be
sterile and unable to reproduce on their own, causing a constant demand for the genetically modified seeds. The high demand will create jobs and profit. I think that if other scientists continue this method of creating new strands of plant species that can adapt better to rough environmental conditions today, then many areas of the world will find solutions to their hunger. Sharing the types of new plant species also may create stronger alliances or more peace between the United Stated and other countries.
However, I do feel that there are several negative effects of the Green Revolution.
First of all, the creation and growth of so many new crops will require a great deal of water. Clean water is scarce, surrounded by unsanitary conditions, and hard to access in many regions. (Rowntree, 56-57) Almost half of the world population is living in areas where the water shortage is already a growing issue. (Rowntree, 56) Besides water, these genetically modified crops will also require large amounts of fertilizer. When it rains that fertilizer will runoff into the rivers and bays, polluting the water; making it toxic to humans and animals. The runoff will eliminate another source of water, but also food sources such as fish and crabs. These water and fertilizer demanding crops, will also be resistant to many pests and herbicides. Evolution creates pests that are resistant to the super crops and very hard to get rid of. Both the new crops and pests may also become invasive species over time and cause extinction issues for many other
organisms.
Plants, crops in this case, filter the carbon dioxide and other toxins out of the air and turn it into oxygen.
The Green Revolution is turning wastelands into fields of plant life that benefit humans by creating a food source and cleaner air. The crops also help the planet by filtering certain gasses out of the air and turning them into oxygen which will help reduce global warming caused by greenhouse gasses. (Rowntree, 52-53) From what I learned in Botany, I feel that the plants are the key source to survival on Earth because of their ability to filter air to create oxygen. Without plants on Earth, the human population would not be able to survive longer than 10 minutes due to the lack of oxygen and clean air. Therefore, I support the Green Revolution because the goal of this Revolution is to increase the growth of crops and plants in typically poor growing environments, in order to end
hunger.