Gmos Persuasive Essay

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are a major issue the modern world is accommodating to. GMOs are defined as an organism whose genome has been altered through genetic engineering, in order for the DNA of the organisms to contain genes which normally are not apparent. This world is filled with GMOs, for example corn, cows, squash, zucchini, and soy, foods most Americans encounter daily, all have been genetically modified. You may be thinking: Why use GMOs so often? Well, similar to all substances, GMOs have positive advantages, but with the advantages come disadvantages. For instance, GMOs supply farmers with a large profit at the use of lower time and resources, prevent the need for pesticides, increase crop yield, provide more nourishment for the body, and lead to a decrease in starvation throughout the world. In addition, GMOs may be dangerous to some insects, they have a possibility of harming the environment, and can cause certain illnesses and disease. Today I would like to discuss, in my opinion, the two most prominent GMOs: corn and cows, and their advantages/disadvantages.

A common food, corn, has been genetically modified, as stated before. The sweet corns genetics have been altered in such

a way so that it is herbicide resistant, so now corn is protected from insect damage. The genetically altered corn will be able to provide food to those in need, due to a higher yield and it will as well save farmers the time to apply pesticides. But, like with all things genetically altered, sweet corn can have dangers too, which are diseases. Although, the corn has been tested and seems to be safe, there is always going to be a possibility of disease, since GMOs are still relatively new.

Cows produce a widely consumed beverage, milk, which is a GMO as well. Cows have been genetically modified to produce healthier milk, so individuals who are lactose intolerant are able to consume the beverage without having a painful experience. The major advantage of this breakthrough, the ability for lactose intolerant individuals to have the chance to drink milk, is greatly outweighed by the disadvantages. For example, the milk of the genetically modified cow contained substances which are directly linked to heart disease and cancer. Additionally, the genetic modification of cows may cause pain to the animals themselves, but nothing is for certain until more research is conducted.

As discussed earlier, GMOs are widely used.

Another topic regarding GMOs has appeared: Should GMOs be label? I feel that it is absolutely necessary to label all and any genetically modified organisms. It is important for a consumer to know they are purchasing a GMO, and in the end they should have the right to control whether or not they consume them. GMO labels are dire in today society in order to eliminate potential health risks. Since minimal research is conducted on GMOs, there is an array of health risks consumers should have the ability to avoid if they wish. Furthermore, 64 countries in the entire world have deemed it mandatory to label GMOs, so why not continue the growth of GMO labels and aid in protecting our fellow citizens from potential health

risks?

With an increasing number of a starvation struck population globally, the use of GMOs as a solution to local or global food shortage is crucial. The common public dealing with starvation should be given an opportunity to take advantage of GMOs at their own risk. Although, GMOs are common in the United States, cultural and social issues have arised that have led to countries such as Russia, France, and Austria, to ban to use to GMOs. Even though GMOs sometimes receive bad credit, statistics have displayed that GMO crops provide a higher net income than regular crops, which enables more food to be grown and distributed with the extra income. Also, many are still skeptical to the use of GMOs, due to their potential for causing disease, but some may not have a choice when facing starvation, yet another reason as to why GMOs should be incorporated in overcoming food shortages. GMOs, as believed by many have a negative impact on the insect population and may secrete extra bt toxin in the soil, hence polluting the soil. Although there are many negative aspects of GMOs, they need to be employed for their major advantage: a decrease in starvation for those who are willing to stand up to the consequences of the usage of GMOs.

Thank you for listening to what I have discussed. On one final note I believe that GMOs be labeled for citizens. GMOs should also be provided to those in a starving state who are willing to accept them in order to overcome starvation. Finally, all citizens should be made aware of the potential treacheries GMOs are attached to.