Gene Revolution

?

Gene Revolution

Advantages

  • Economic = increased exports and rising farm incomes
  • Environmental = less fertilisers and pesticides are needed
  • Economic & Social = some studies show yields increase significantly

Disadvantages

  • Economic & social = seeds only last one growing season
  • Economic & Environmental some weeds are now developing herbicide resistance
  • Economic = farmers depend on buying seeds & chemicals from TNCs e.g. Monsanta
  • Social = does not always improve food security as many crops are grown for export
  • Social = public opinion may reject technology e.g UK
  • Social = successful farmers who can grow GM crops buy from smaller farmers ~ social polarisation
  • Environmental = deforestation occurs to increase the area under G crops e.g Latin America
  • Environmental = fear for biodiversity by cross contamination

Evaluation

Although there seems to be a lot more disadvantages than advantages, it is clear that the advantages are extremely important. Farmers can significantly increase their yield, and therefore increase their income too. Less fertilisers and pesticides means that less eutrophication will occur, however deforestation is still happening which affects biodiversity, and there is already the fear from cross contamination http://naturalsociety.com/gmo-crop-contamination-cannot-be-stopped/ . Some people wary about the health impacts of GM crops - have to remember that every day 21,000 people die of hunger and so far there have been no deaths known to be caused by GM crops. 

Comments

No comments have yet been made

Similar Geography resources:

See all Geography resources »See all Technology Fix resources »