by: Tanya Chang
Sports Editor

Over the past century, many advances in agriculture have allowed for a drastic increase in worldwide food production. However one thing seems unchangeable: world hunger. Millions of people worldwide still lack access to food due to poverty, climate change, and more. With rising global temperature and extreme weather conditions becoming more common, old farming methods are now barely surviving to keep up. Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are a very powerful scientific tool that supports food systems. Governments must invest in and regulate GMO technology to make it accessible to where there is a lack of food around the world.

GMO can help drastically increase the amount of produce which keeps up with the demand as populations continue to grow. Scientists are now able to engineer crops that can tolerate drought, resist pests, and survive in worst soil conditions. The National Geographic Society states the purpose of modified crops, like Bt corn, is to produce a protein that is toxic to specific insects, leading to the reduction of yield loss and use of chemical pesticides. This not only protects harvests but can also decrease environmental damage from extensive pesticide use. Despite the benefits, people have joined to form the anti-GMO movement where critics raise ethical concerns about human health and the environment. They often initiate boycotts with certain companies, marches to spread awareness, and lobbying where they work with other businesses to influence policy. Supporters advocate for natural, organic produce, as the thought of GMO products causing allergies or other unknown long term risks consume their beliefs. However, in areas where drought destroys entire growing seasons, GMOs that do not require as much water can mean the difference between survival and famine.

Along with production, GMO can also address malnutrition. One example includes Golden Rice, which has been altered to contain beta-carotene, a source of vitamin A. Globally, vitamin A deficiency affects millions of children, causing blindness or even death. By establishing a few staple crops that contain essential nutrients, biotechnology has the potential to improve not only the quantity of food accessible, but the quality as well.

However, some argue that GMOs have environmental and economic risks. Critics worry about the unknown long-term health effects and the slow decline in biodiversity. These concerns should not be completely ignored but they also should not prevent a discovery that has vast benefits. Strong oversight and transparent testing are necessary to ensure safety and fairness. The World Health Organization has labeled GMO foods safe to eat after decades of research. The solution is not to reject but to regulate.

World hunger is a complex, large-scale issue that mainly involves poverty and political instability. GMOs alone will not solve it, but refusing to use such a beneficial tool can diminish the urgency of the crisis. Climate change continues to pose a threat to global agriculture, which is why innovation must be part of our response.

Sources: (National Geographic Society, PMC, WHO)