GMOs Biotech Companies and Global Politics
The ongoing debate about the safety of genetically modified organisms or GMO’s is getting even more controversial. People on each side of the dispute have presented their own opinions on the matter. Their arguments take on different platforms for convincing the global audience to take their side. The Pro-GMO side always has the economic impact of the different GMO products as their stance in the debate. Those against GMO’s have the safety and environmental impact of the same products as their counter argument.
The environmental impact and debate of the different GMO products has recently taken to the political arena as it now involves two superpower nations into the debate. An article from the EU Times indicates that Russia feels extreme outrage at the United States of America for protectionism and for not taking any part in the discussion on the possible effects of GM-based pesticides and other similar GM products on the global environment. According to the report, Russian president Vladimir Putin refused meeting with US Secretary of State John Kerry for three hours over the Obama administration’s refusal to discuss the matter about biotech giants like Syngenta and Monsanto. The Russian side stated that the current US administration is protecting the interests of the two biotech companies and their GM products being sold in various global markets.
At the center of the dispute is the effect of a new class of neuro-active insecticides known as neonicotinoids on the dwindling bee population across the world. The Russian side stated that there is “undisputed evidence” that the said insecticides are destroying the global bee population. If this is left unchecked, it can result in a global catastrophe that can harm the world’s ability to grow food crops and feed its ever-growing population.
The insecticide’s effect on the bee population is getting so serious that EU nations have instituted a two-year precautionary ban on insecticide use within its member countries. The insecticides in question include Actara and Cruiser, both of which are GM products made by Swiss global biotech giant Syngenta AG, a company with a market presence in over 90 countries. Incidentally, Swizerland is the first EU member country to ban the use of the said pesticides within its territory.
President Putin is angry over the Obama regime’s efforts to protect these biotech companies despite the evidence that their products are causing catastrophic damage to the environment. The US has rejected the EU’s claims that the insecticide in question is the reason for the bee colony collapse.
With the debate now affecting two superpowers taking opposing views on the matter, the question on whether GMOs are safe or not will continue. But this time, it may further stoke the fire that will cause conflicts between opposing nations. As the debate reaches geopolitical proportions, the debate may soon need a formal dialogue between all affected countries. Hopefully, these formal global discussions on the matter may lead to a general consensus for the good of everyone involved. But until then, the GMO debate still rages on, only to evolve into a bigger and more serious issue as it elevates into the political front.
Source: EU Times
Genetic Modification – GuideTo.Com
Recent Comments