The Effects Of Biodification On The Environment

First of all, GMOs can be detrimental to the health of humans. The most common form of this is when humans consume food that contains GMOs. Since most GMO-containing food is not labelled as such, most consumers assume that their food is GMO-free, however, this is not the case. Joseph Mercola, a renowned doctor who specializes in nutrition, attests that in the United States, an increasing amount of genetically modified foods are being added to the food supply without the knowledge of American consumers. The effects of these genetic modifications have been revealed to be “flawed” and potentially dangerous to consumers (Mercola). Mercola illustrates the large gray area that exists in the food industry, especially with GMOs and the few restrictions …show more content…
This is because genetic modifications in organisms has been known to decrease biodiversity, an extremely important asset to planet Earth. Biodiversity refers to the wide variation in biological life on Earth; this includes animals, plants, and microorganisms. Biodiversity has been proven to increase ecosystem productivity because each plant or animal within the ecosystem has a certain job to do and contributes to the overall success of said ecosystem. However, because GMOs are decreasing biodiversity, it can have a wide range of effects on the environment. In fact, genetic engineering has been shown to require an increase in the use of pesticides, as well as result in the spread of “irreversible” genetic pollution (Shiva). Genetic Pollution refers to the spread of genetically engineered organisms to other, nonengineered organisms, which can happen through mating and cross-pollination. Most GMOs negatively affect other organisms because of this genetic pollution, and some genetically modified crops can cross-contaminate organic farms because the wind can blow the altered seeds onto other farms. In fact, the communications coordinator for the Institute of Agriculture and Trade Policy, Ben Lilliston highlights, “GMO corn pollen has drifted onto hundreds of acres of non-GMO farmland. Crops previously grown as organic for years are currently testing positive for traces of GMOs, dramatically decreasing their market value and raising concerns for those wanting organic produce” (Lilliston). As more and more genetically modified crops are planted each year, and genetic pollution levels continue to increase, it is becoming harder and harder to find crops that are 100% organic and contain no traces of GMOs. As one can see, the contamination of pure, organic farms is increasing, which must end immediately. It is important to maintain organic, genetically unrefined produce in