Britannica
Sources used in this answer
- Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) - Con 3: GMO crops can harm the environment through the increased use of toxic herbicides and pesticides.
- genetically modified organism - Sociopolitical relevance of GMOs
- genetically modified organism: Top Questions
- Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) - Con 2: Tinkering with the genetic makeup of plants can result in changes to the food supply that introduce toxins or trigger allergic reactions.
- Plant disease - The use of genetic engineering in developing disease-resistant plants
What possible environmental risks are considered before genetically modified organisms are released?
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genetically modified organism
Genetically modified crops are assessed for their impact on environmental factors such as soil quality.
Before genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are released, government agencies conduct case-by-case reviews to assess potential environmental and health impacts. These regulatory bodies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, evaluate several key environmental risks:12
- Biodiversity Loss: There is concern that GMOs may cause inadvertent reductions in biodiversity by reducing weed diversity in and around fields, which diminishes habitat and food sources for beneficial insects and other species.31
- Gene Flow: Engineered genes from GMOs may potentially spread into wild plant populations, which could have unpredictable ecological consequences.41
- Increased Chemical Use: Many crops are engineered for herbicide tolerance, which can encourage the liberal use of chemicals like glyphosate. This increased usage can harm non-target organisms, such as pollinating insects and amphibians, and has contributed to the development of herbicide-resistant "super-weeds".31
- Evolution of Resistance: The widespread use of GMOs with built-in pesticides may accelerate the evolution of insecticide-resistant "superbugs," rendering the genetic modifications less effective over time.34