Cotton is one crop that is often damaged by a pest insect species. A research program is planned to genetically modify the plants to keep insect damage to a minimum. The aim of the research is to make the plants release a protein that can kill the insects
Why might people be opposed to this research program
The insects will soon spread to other areas
The modified plants will cause a waste of natural resources
The insects may be the natural food of several species of birds
The sales of pesticides will decrease where the modified plants are grown
1. Environmental concerns: People may be opposed to the research program because they are concerned about the potential negative environmental impact of genetically modified plants releasing a protein that could harm insect species. They may worry about the unintended consequences of disrupting the natural balance of ecosystems.
2. Health concerns: Some people may have concerns about the safety of consuming genetically modified cotton plants that have been modified to release a protein toxic to insects. They may worry about the potential impact on human health.
3. Ethical concerns: People may have ethical objections to genetically modifying plants in order to kill insects, believing that it is unnatural and goes against the principles of respecting all forms of life.
4. Economic concerns: Farmers who rely on the sale of pesticides to control insect damage may be opposed to the research program because it could reduce their income if the use of pesticides is no longer necessary in areas where the modified plants are grown. Additionally, there may be concerns about the economic impact on farmers who do not have access to or cannot afford to grow genetically modified crops.
5. Legal concerns: Some people may oppose the research program due to concerns about the potential legal implications of releasing genetically modified plants into the environment and the potential for unintended consequences or long-term effects that are not fully understood.