Pros And Cons Of Genetically Modified Organisms

Zimbabwe
Worlds Health Organization
Genetically Modified Organisms
GMO Position Paper 2013
A. Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are defined as an organism in which its DNA has been altered in unnatural way. It was 1973 when Stanley Cohen and Herbert Boyer combined their research to create the first successful recombinant DNA organisms. It was 7 years after that, that the Supreme Court rules that genetically modified organisms can be patented. The first patented GMO was an oil-eating microorganism used for cleaning oil spills. It was 1986 when the first crop of genetically modified tobacco was planted. When the world was first introduced to GM foods, people were so skeptical about the health risks that GMOs were banned in several countries
Genetically Modified Organisms have the potential to greatly benefit the world with an endless amount of benefits but the UN is cautious around this issue, because the long-term effects of GM products are not yet known to scientists. They do not know if by alternating DNA of organisms they are in any way threatening the future of that species or even if they are introducing a new gene into the organism that can affect the environment around it. The UN has passed a treaty called the "Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety”, and it is the first global agreement to recognize the potential threat of GMOs to nature. This treaty was passed because of the fact that GMOs are relatively new and scientists have very little information so that they cannot determine what the long term effects of GM products will be. This treaty focused on the international trade with most GMOs and required exporters to be granted permission of importing countries before the shipment of GMOs. It allows the importing governments to be cautious when considering whether to let "live" GMOs like seeds and plants into their nation. It also advises that all shipments are appropriately documented and labeled "may contain GMOs." The UN would like to use GM foods to aid poor and famine struck nations with food, but because GM foods are known to cause allergic reactions in many people, the UN is hesitant in distributing GM products because of the lack of knowledge of the long-term affect that it will have on humans. With this being said, the UN is keen on planting GM crops in poorer nations because they do not require expensive pesticides, fertilizer, or food. The crop can be grown and harvested cheaply which would make food much more affordable in 3rd world nations such as many African countries as well as some Middle Eastern ones. The UN also recognizes that GM foods could be a sustainable food source if the world one day needs it. It is because of that, that the UN is investing efforts in further