What Are GMOs?
GMO stands for Genetically Modified Organism. Also called GM foods as in genetically modified foods, GMOs are crops that have been modified in the laboratory by scientists in order to enhance certain desirable traits such as tolerance to harsh weather or pesticides. It is done by transferring genes between plants and is much quicker and more effective than breeding. There is much controversy surrounding GMOs because there are many benefits as well as some extreme risks. While these foods could potentially be used to help solve some of the world's problems surrounding hunger and malnutrition as well as help the environment by reducing pesticide reliance and increasing yield, there are a lot of risks involving people's health as well as the well being of the environment that are present when genetically modifying these foods. There is also the risk of the unknown. When scientists change the DNA of crops, there is a lot of unknown variables that could potentially cause unintended harm to the consumer and to the environment. This is powerful technology and should be used with caution. But is it too dangerous? Or do the benefits outweigh the risks?