Genetically Modified Organisms - Research Paper Example

? Design and Technology: Genetically Modified Organisms Institute Design and Technology: Genetically Modified Organisms Production of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) is dependent on a number of factors. These factors have been instrumental in steering technological advancement concerning GMO’s. The first factor that is steering production of genetically modified organisms is the social factor. The production of these organisms holds key solutions to solve sociological problems in the current world. Since there are other few avenues of solving such social problems, many scientists have considered it a prudent approach to solve such problems. In many instances, some scientists consider it a miracle since it is instrumental in solving such problems (Hamilton, 2001). This has been successful through production of modified crops, food, drugs, vaccines and even livestock. Since the success story of genetically modified organism is appealing, many people are improving technology to have an optimum solution to these problems. The second factor that has been influential in production of this organism is the economic factor. The economy in many parts of the word has been dwindling due to lack of better ways of solving problems. As such, scientists have been engaged to help find better ways of solving such problems. They have come up with the technology that manipulates organisms to increase production (Povich, 2010). This has been successful as many scientists have successfully increased production. As a matter of fact, modification has been successful since it involves many sectors of the economy. When production in many economic aspects is improved, the whole economy will record a significant growth. The third factor that has made it possible for research in technology is the political condition. Many parts of the world are struggling to find political solutions to a number of problems that affect their people. To solve the situation, the political bigwigs have to find solutions that are sustainable. Technology and modification is one of the factors that have helped solve the problems. Political and Legal Influences The politics of a country are dominated by few people who have power. The people in power have an obligation of making decisions that will enhance the lives of the masses. As such, they can make decisions depending on the underlying factors. However, some politicians make decisions depending on the underlying interest. Some politicians will make decisions depending on their links with some of the companies that control some vital aspects in the political environment. For instance, a better part of the American population has vast information in concerns to Monsanto (Peters, 2012). This is a renowned company that has been influential in providing a weed killer that is used in lawns. The company has been influential in providing superb services in regard to weed killers and providing adorable lawns. However, what most people have not deciphered is that the company is also influential in providing vast food products. This is due to the political influence and affluence it has in the United States. It is stated that employees that used to work for the company new hold influential positions in the government. As such, they have a better chance of making decisions that could affect the company in the near future. Since they still have vested interests in the company, they are not likely to make decisions that will ground the company. In most cases, they are protective to the company and will make decisions that seem to favor the company. Monsanto is a company that has been making dreadful chemicals that kill weeds. Apparently, this has been detrimental to the environment as most of these residues are environmental pollutants. Though the company has been producing chemicals that pollute the earth’s surface, the company is still given the leeway to engage in production of food products. This is partly due to the political influence the company has. In the recent past, the company has been recreated to deal in agricultural products, which are made to improve the world for the future generations. As a matter of fact, some employees working in the food and drug administration in the United States have previously worked for Monsanto (Peters, 2012). This creates a scenario where some people that are obligated to protect the future generation still have vested interests in a company that is willing to provide food products to the population. Consequentially, the company has in the past produced pollutants in the environment. This has affected the environment to greater lengths, especially at this time where pollution is a menace in the whole world. To make the situation worse, the company is still operational and it is even given the leeway to start dealing in agricultural products. This is considered a manipulation of the political system since the company is thriving through unclear circumstances. Similarly, it is thriving through favoritism from government workers who hold highly ranked offices in the government. Genetically modified organisms are manipulated to instigate their fast growth. Therefore, technology has been implemented to help in production of seeds that are genetically modified. These seeds are chemically enhanced to catalyze their growth in a short time. As such, farmers are likely to harvest crops and other genetically modified organisms in a shorter time. However, planting these seeds is also demanding. First, the farmers have to invest heavily in buying these seeds. The seeds are produced using invented technology and this is expensive. Therefore, the farmers will have to buy these seeds at a higher price. However, this has its consequences. Since farmers have limited investments, they will have to take loans to buy the seeds. In most cases, the farmers will have to take a credit facility, which is payable. Similarly, the famers will have to buy chemical inputs and other machineries used in planting and harvesting (Hamilton, 2001). In the end, the farmers incur fluctuating costs. This is detrimental as they have to service their loans. With such prevailing instances, the population does not find an amicable way of separating right from wrong. They do not know whether to stick to their ancient way of farming or engage in planting genetically modified seeds. This seems a hard decision to make since most people that demand the products insist on using the genetically modified products since they are of high quality. For instance, some farmers in the South would find it hard to export their sugar since the genetically modified sugars were sweeter. Starving Third World Countries The population of the world has been statistically recorded to grow from 3 billion people to seven billion people in 50 years. This leaves a lot to be desired especially in food provision. Though the population of the world has been increasing at a significant rate, food production is not a match. This has adversely affected third world countries since they have a high rate of growth in the population. To make matters worse, their food production growth is dwindling with each passing year. To find an amicable solution to such a problem, they have to use genetically modified organisms (Peters, 2012). This is a way of increasing production in the shortest time. The people in these countries are encouraged to indulge in production of genetically modified organisms owing to their fast rate of growth. This has been influential in increasing food production in the stated countries. As such, they are gaining a stable mode of food production to cater for their needs. Consequentially, there are some emergencies that occur and are not controlled in the shortest time. To solve the incumbent situation, the third world countries are given genetically modified foodstuff (Safe & healthy school food coalition, 2013). Since they are starving, this is considered an immediate response to the situation. However, some people state that this is a case where some people go against the principles of humanity. It is not a justification to give the starving third world countries genetically modified foods. It is stated that the third world countries should be given ample choices instead of forcing them to consume genetically modified products. Legalities There are several legalities that should be followed in the pursuit of stabilizing food production. This is especially in line with the production of genetically modified foodstuff. First, the companies that are involved in production of these organisms should follow the right procedure of acquiring the legal entity to operate in such. This will show that they are committed to follow the law in providing acceptable food products (Jhamtani). Secondly, they must be committed to production of safe products for the population. The world’s population is obligated to get food products that are safe for human consumption. Therefore, it is in the interests of producers to produce acceptable and safe products. Lastly, they have the legality of engaging other bodies that control and measure the safety of the products. There are general food labeling practices that should be adhered to in production of genetically modified organisms. All products in the market should be labeled accordingly. For instance, food products that have negative consequences should be revealed to protect the general public. The most outstanding fact about GMO’s is that is causes stomach upsets, especially in animals. Since it causes stomach upsets in animals it is believed that the same could happen to human. Therefore, labeling such products will eradicate side effects that could occur from consumption of such products. Similarly, the labeling should focus on educating the general public against future consequences that could occur from consistent consumption of these products. This is one of the consideration that has been brought forward by the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, which is a body obligated to protect consumers. Therefore, the consumers should have the genetic information to reconsider the consequences of consuming these products. However, this would have an effect on the consumption of these products since some people would limit their consumption. Economic Questions and Concerns GMO’s production is affected by a number of economic factors. First, it is deemed expensive to produce other products which are non-GMO in the long run. The seeds and other resources used are expensive and will take a substantial amount of resource. Therefore, finding a cheaper way of producing these seeds and other basic needs would be a prudent approach (Hamilton, 2001). Secondly, time is a fact that is related to the economy. For instance, products that take an arguably long time to mature will have direct effect on the economy of farmers. Products that take short time to mature will reduce the economic spending of the farmers. Therefore, banking on GMO’s is a prudent way of solving some economic issues. Lastly, there are multiple returns in farming GMO’s as opposed to farming non-GMO. For instance, since they take a short time to mature, there will be more returns in a year. This will enhance the economy of the people. There are hefty returns when it comes to GMO’s. First, there is the promise of bumper harvest after planting the genetically modified seeds. This encourages the farmers to invest in planting GMO’s. However, the companies that produce these seeds have more to gain than the farmers. Secondly, there is the realistic increase in production (Peters, 2012). GMO’s are highly productive and enhance harvests. As such, the farmers gain through the introduction of GMO’s. Thirdly, the government seems to gain due to increased GDP. The production enhances the economy as some of the products are exported. “GUT” Instincts, Psychological Considerations and Sociological Effects There are several psychological considerations and sociological effects that are recorded with the use of GMO’s. First, the human gut influences the human brain. Therefore, any effects on the gut will have dire effect on the functionality of the brain. Since the gut is at times affected by the consumption of GMO, there could be detrimental psychological concerns. For instance, this could affect the emotions, moods and stress response. Similarly, there are some psychological and sociological effects that could arise due to consumption of GMO’s. For instance, consumption of GMO’s triggers extended growth of some parts of the body. As such, some people could grow obese with constant consumption of these products. Similarly, studies state that GMO’s instigate growth of cancer cells in the body. This has affected a number of people in the world as they have to fight cancer, which is a scourge. It is noted that poor digestive health could lead to other problems which a person could experience after consumption of these products. There are connections between increased rates of emotional distress and the consumption of GMO’s. Therefore, part of emotional stress is brought by consumption of GMO. Similarly, there are connections between mental disorder and consumption of GMO’s. This has been affecting number of people that are constantly consuming GMO. In addition to this, there are dreaded allergies that are as a result of consumption of GMO’s. With such effects, it is evident that GMO’s have their positive and negative sides. However, eradication of these products would plunge the world into a quagmire, especially in food stability. However, there is a need to look for better ways of reducing the effects of the GMO’s in addition to enhancing production of GMO’s. References Hamilton, N. D. (2001). Legal issues shaping society’s acceptance of biotechnology and genetically modified organisms. The National Agricultural Law Center: University of Arkansas School of Law, 6, 87-109. Retrieved from www.NationalAgLawCenter.org Jhamtani, H. (n.d.). The socio-economic aspects of genetically modified organisms and the need for applying precautionary principles. Third World Network. Retrieved from http://www.twnside.org.sg/title/aspects.htm Peters, S. (2012, September 23). How Monsanto influences federal agencies and politicians to push their GMO’s agenda. Retrieved from http://naturalrevolution.org/how-monsanto-influences-federal-agencies-and-politicians-to-push-their-gmo-agenda/ Povich, C. J. (2010, June 23). Www.infowars.com. Economic Issues Surrounding Genetically Modified Foods. Retrieved from http://www.infowars.com/economic-issues-surrounding-genetically-modified-foods/ Safe & healthy school food coalition/nyc: Gmos impact on gut and mental health. (2013, April 2). Retrieved from http://schoolfood.info/?p=412 Read More