What are GM foods and GMOs?
Genetic modification is when the genes of a living thing have been changed or added to. Genes carry instructions for plants and animals to function. Genetic modification means plants or animals can…
Net zero by 2050 is sufficient to solve the climate crisis.
Major and unprecedented reductions in emissions are needed now. Otherwise, our current high emissions will consume the small remaining global carbon budget within just a few years. Net zero targets typically assume…
Funding renewable energy projects is a good way to compensate for fossil fuel emissions
Expansion of renewable energy in growing economies is crucial, but often only adds to, rather than replaces the fossil fuels in the energy mix. Because renewable energy is now often cheaper than…
How do I know if my food contains GM ingredients?
In the UK, foods have to be labelled as GM if they contain genetically modified plants or animals. GM foods can only be sold if the Food Standards Agency judges that they:…
We need to regulate gmos for food safety.
FOOD SAFETY WITH APPROVED GMOS IS NOT AN ISSUE. “We have a huge issue in food safety with lots of other things: contaminants, E. coli, salmonella, listeria, arsenic. But if genetic engineers…
Each ton of carbon dioxide is the same and can be treated interchangeably.
Carbon dioxide removal tomorrow cannot compensate for emissions today. Emissions from luxury consumption should not be considered equal to emissions from essential food production. Storage of carbon in plants and soils cannot…
Gmos will ruin our existing food systems
MCHUGHEN BELIEVES THE PRODUCTION OF GMOS IS BEST WAY TO PROVIDE FOOD SECURITY FOR THE PLANET, PARTICULARLY IN POORER COUNTRIES. “If Europe and the United States banned GMOs outright, it probably would…
All gmo crops have been wonderful successes.
ELLSTRAND CITES THE FLAVR SAVR TOMATO AND THE LOW-NICOTINE TOBACCO AS EXAMPLES. Both these products were developed commercially but were marketing failures due to a variety of reasons. They — and many…
Carbon offsetting in low-income countries must increase to meet the Paris agreement.
Low-income countries have also established climate targets in connection with the Paris Agreement. They will need all the emissions reductions that can be achieved in their own country to deliver on their…
We can compensate for fossil fuel emissions using so-called “nature-based solutions” (such as carbon sequestration in vegetation and soils).
Fossil fuels are part of the slow carbon cycle (see fact box). Nature-based solutions are part of the fast, biological carbon cycle, meaning that carbon storage is not permanent. For example, carbon…
