Food, GM foods, Monsanto (with China maybe) Essay

Food, GM foods, Monsanto (with China maybe) - Essay Example It also describes that how the overall process is conducted. The following write up describes the different pros and cons of genetically engineered food products along with the technologies used for the formation of the same. We also witness that how the pioneer company of genetically modified food production called Monsanto effects the market globally though the consequences are not always positive (Marie- Monique Robin in The World According to Monsanto, p.46). It will be noted that the difference in the response of the developed and the developing countries towards these advancements by mainly focusing on US, which provides the largest market for GM food products, and China, which is still a developed country. It will also be studied that the arrival and establishment of Monsanto in China and the overall responses of the country to Monsanto and all the other multinational companies as such (Michael Moss in The Extraordinary Science of Addictive Junk Food, p.129). Other books consu lted for this proposal include Getting Real About the High Price of Cheap Food, Story of Stuff, Food essays and Food, Inc. Genetic Engineering : Pros and Cons There are certain limitations to traditional breeding processes. It takes almost a decade to produce plant with the desired traits. Genetic engineering makes this process much faster as well as effective in the most precise way possible. This is done by separating the desired gene from the plant and inserting it directly into the DNA of the other plant by different electrical and chemical processes (John L Seitz, p.49). Genetic modification has broken the natural existing boundaries between different species. For example a frog and a mango can never breed naturally. But genetic modification can make this possible by inserting the genes of frog into the DNA of mango plant creating a new organism. Genetic modification is not only possible for plants and animals but also for humans (Michael Moss, p.125). Many biotechnology compan ies suggest that genetic engineering is the modification of same breeding process which has been used by the farmers since thousands of years. Plants and animals of different species have crossbred to create new species signifying that gene manipulation is completely natural. The only difference is that nature takes millions of years where as genetics can accomplish the same results in months. Long term effects of environment on genetically modified organisms are yet to be studied deeply (Michael Pollan, p.38). It is claimed that genetically modified crops provide a higher yield to the farmers in comparison to the conventional crop. GM crops are more economical as well. Genetic modification in the crops increases their resistance reducing the expense on herbicides and consequently decreasing the cost per acre (Francis Harris, p.165). However, farmers are required to purchase genetically modified seeds each year due to technology agreements adding to their expenses. Some critics clai m that GM crops might cause damage to small scale farmers as they will become indentured to agribusiness companies (Michael Moss, p.129). As a result cost per acre will also increase along with the yield. There are no issues regarding the safety of the food items already present in the market. But this does not mean that they are completely safe. Biotechnology advocates that there are no reasons for concern when

Society Comparison Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Society Comparison Paper - Essay Example It needs to be realized that currently all societies of the world are battling with the Environmental concerns. Whereas Orkney Society can be classified as a â€Å"surviving† society, it nevertheless has its own set of concerns and improvisations that can improve its environmental conditions. Nevertheless, in contrast with Norse Greenland Society, Orkney society undoubtedly lives. The Orkney and Greenland societies both belong to the Viking colonies of North Atlantic. Orkney survived whereas Greenland saw its demise after a time span of 450 years. Four major environmental factors have been recognized for this difference of fate of both societies; ocean distances between Norway and Britain, resistance offered by non-Viking residents of the region, suitability for agricultural productions and environmental fragility in terms of soil erosion and deforestation (Diamond). Orkney is a continental Island, surrounded by water from its northern tip. It proved to be the naval base for B ritish forces in both world wars. With respect to environmental concerns, Orkney has left no stone unturned in its attempt to provide a better living standard for its residents. Currently, the Orkney Islands Council’s Environmental Health Team is responsible for identifying and devising possible solutions for any activity that poses a risk to the health and well-being of the citizens (Orkney Islands Council). Education and awareness is being spread about the environmental concerns and ways of tackling it. At present, all residents of Orkney Islands are entitled to quality air, atmosphere, water, soil, land and landscape as well as factors affecting the quality of these (Orkney Islands Council). Environmental conservation has been the Orkney’s primary concern. On the other hand, Norse Greenland was naturally deficient in resources like metallic elements, and was also incapable of exploration due to the absence of ships and manpower. It was invaded by the Vikings during 1200 AD. Skirmishes between the Natives and the Vikings (called Innuits) did not allow peace to be established in the region. Greenland was also incapable of promoting agricultural activities in their region due to the extreme climate. This had caused the people of Greenland to migrate out of the region as the Climate changed dramatically. The current climatic change can now be scientifically attributed to Global Warming, which also caused the rise of water tables (Karen). Greenland could not practice environmental conservation, partly due to natural deficiencies and partly on behalf of their harsh climatic conditions and Viking colonization. Hence the Norse Greenland society collapsed after a mere 450 years of desperate survival. The energy resources for Greenland are not clearly documented, but the time line suggests these resources would not have been â€Å"green† fuels. On the other hand, Orkney has established an Environmental concerns agency by the name of ECO, which tr ies to make everything environment-friendly – from fuels to recycling etc. The energy sources for Orkney include renewable sources like tidal, solar, wind and wave powers (ECO). The population of Greenland, in 1000AD numbered at 500 people, which increased with the subsequent invasion by the Innuit Vikings (Diamond). The population of Orkney, according to 2011 statistics, is numbered at 19,590 people (True