Genetic engineering as a solution to global hunger

¶ … Genetic Engineering the Answer to Hunger

Over the last several years, the issue of genetic engineering, as a way to address the growing world hunger problem has been increasingly brought to the forefront. Simply put, genetic engineering is when you are manipulating the DNA in various genes to: create different desirable traits in the organism. In the case of plants and livestock, scientists have figured out way to be able to create certain traits that will produce larger organisms, which can be used to feed to consumers. This has caused many proponents to argue that you will stronger crop yields. (Cohen, 2010, pp. 4 -- 9) This is significant, because it is illustrating how many people believe that genetic engineering can address the various hunger related issues.

However, there are also those individuals that claim that genetic engineering will not be able to tackle these challenges. The reason why, is because they argue that this is not dealing with the underlying causes of the problem. Most notably the issues of: global warming and corrupt governments. These two issues have been contributing to: many of the various famines and droughts that have been occurring around the globe. What is happening is that, many of the droughts in select regions have been having a direct impact on: crop yields and livestock production. At the same time, those areas in the poorer regions of the world have corrupt governments that will often limit the amount of available food supplies (in specific geographic locations). Once this begins to take place, it means that there will be challenges in ensuring that everyone has access to the various food resources. (FAO, 2005, pp. 4 -- 14) This is problematic, because many critics will argue that genetic engineering cannot possibly address the underlying causes of famine. Where, the above factors will have an impact on: the available food supply and how much of it ordinary people will have access to. As a result, many critics will argue that genetic engineering cannot possibly deal with these challenges. This is significant because, it is illustrating how there are two different viewpoints of: the impact that genetic engineering can have on world hunger. To fully understand the various opinions requires: comparing the arguments that are presented by both sides. Once this takes place, it will provide the greatest insights as to if genetic engineering is part of the solution for addressing the challenges of world hunger.

The Views of Proponents

The biggest argument that many of the proponent of genetic engineering will make, is that it is creating the kinds of foods that are: resistant to various diseases and weather conditions. This is because the genes are being modified to the point, that many of the organisms are able to withstand the impact of changes that are taking place from the environment. Once this begins to occur, it means that many people will be able to grow foods in areas that could be drier (which may not have been possible). (Cohen, 2010, pp. 26 -- 34)

At the same time, modifying these different traits means, that food will able to stay fresh longer during transportation to its final destination. One of the biggest challenges when delivering any kind of food products to markets are: that there is a limited amount of self life. Where, producers as well as distributors only have a certain amount of time to: sell select meats, plants and vegetables to consumers. Otherwise, the food will begin to rot and they will have to throw it away. With genetic engineering, you can be able to address these issues by: modifying the genes enough that food will be able to hold its taste longer. Once this occurs, it means that it will be fresher and can be transported farther. This will cause food prices to decline, by ensuring that areas which have poor food distribution systems will receive a larger supply. At which point, the underlying prices will begin to drop. The fact, that these crops can be grown in adverse conditions (in comparison with non- genetically modified plants); means that these regions will also have the resources to grow their own food. When you put these two different elements together, this will cause the overall supplies in the area to increase. As, many of the poor will not have to: rely on corrupt governments. This is because these plants can be able to give them the ability to support themselves. Over the course of time, this will have a dramatic impact upon addressing the problems surrounding world hunger. (Cohen, 2010, pp. 26 -- 34)

A second argument that many proponents of genetic engineering will make is that is can produce crops that are safer to eat. In many regions of the world, a variety of pesticides are used to kill for bugs and insects. This can result in a reduction in: the overall quality of food that is being produced and many of the different insects (in an environment) can become immune to use of the different chemicals. At the same time, some pesticides (such as: DDT) have been proven to lead to a number of health risks in consumers. Given the fact, that worldwide food production is expected to increase by 250% in year 2050, means that new sources must be utilized that can address these issues. Genetically modified foods will increase the number of available strains. This will help to keep up with the rising demand, by providing farmers with more choices about the kind of plants they can grow. (Roberts, 2001, pp. 42 -- 53)

The Views of the Opponents

The biggest argument that many opponents of genetically modified foods will make is: that under the current system of food production, there is more than enough to feed the entire world. Evidence of this, can be seen with consistently above average crop yields that were produced during: the 1990's and early 2000's. As there was enough food to feed a world population of 8 billion people, despite the fact that there were 6 billion people living on the planet in the year 2000. In the U.S., these kinds of disparities become even worse, with seven out of every ten pounds of grain that are produced are used to feed animals. Yet, despite the large number of available supplies nearly 900 million people will starve every year. This, (according to many opponents) is a sign that something is fundamentally wrong with the current food distribution system. As a result, they will argue that producing genetically modified foods will do nothing to address the current issues of world hunger. This is because they are failing to deal with the root cause.

At the heart of these arguments, is the belief is that many of the challenges surrounding numerous famines are based upon fundamental flaws with in society. As, there are vast disparities between: the different social / economic classes and among various nations. Where, you will see some people receiving more than enough food, which is contributing to unhealthy lifestyle choices that are leading to obesity. In many developed nations, these critics will argue that this is a sign that food is not affordable. As, those people who are making a certain amount of income and enjoy a particular standard living will have more than enough to eat. While at other times, there are those people who live in the poorer nations that cannot afford to feed their families. Recent evidence of this can be seen with the fact that 2 billion people live on less than $2.00 per day. At the same time, many of these individuals do not have access to: the land / resources to grow it themselves or many of the local supplies are poorly distributed. This means, that there will be larger increases in food prices in: poor countries in comparison with wealthier nations. As these different factors are working together, to have an impact on the total available food supply in many of the poorer regions (which contributes directly to famines). This is despite the fact that there are more than enough food supplies available. This is significant, because it is showing how genetic engineering can not address the issues of world hunger. The reason why, is because the system is fundamentally flawed. This is leading directly to cases of vast disparities in global food supplies. In spite the fact that there is more than enough food to feed the entire world. In many ways, one could argue that critics are correct in the observations that they are making. As genetic engineering will help to address the supply of food on world markets, yet it will do nothing to address the fundamental imbalances in the world. Until this situation can be specifically addressed, you will continue to see hunger affecting large segments of the population. (Aleteri, 2004, pp. 1 -- 25)

Conclusion

When you step back and analyze what is taking place, it is clear that both sides are making compelling arguments about the overall impact of genetic engineering. One on hand, you have various proponents who will argue that this will address these kinds of issues. This is because you are modifying the DNA enough, that are creating changes in the way various organisms are responding to their environment. Over the course of time, this will have a positive impact on world hunger by: ensuring that there are more available strains of plants, the organisms are able to cope with the extreme weather conditions, there are larger crop yields and many products will stay fresh longer. These different factors are important, because they are showing how genetic engineering can address the fundamental problems affecting many different regions of the world. As, this will provide: developed and developing nations with greater choices about their food supply. Once this takes place, it means that this will have a positive impact upon the issue of world hunger by: making certain that there are enough available supplies and strains to address this problem in the future.