Genetically Modified food problems

Link to article: http://www.globalissues.org/issue/188/genetically-engineered-food

Article summary: Lots of food we eat today has been somehow genetically modified. As we move forward in time the technology used in this process is improving. The problem is that there is concern from lots of citizens and scientists are worrying that developing countries can not afford the technology and could experience food shortages. Many biotech firms are supporting crop uniformity which sadly would eliminate much of the genetic diversity and make the crops more vulnerable to diseases and pests. The organizations are profit hungry and using the developing world to their advantage to market their technology. This creates questions about the ethics behind Genetic engineering of food.

Reflection: While genetically modified food is a great technology, I certainly don't like hearing that the companies in control of the technologies are making it difficult for developing countries to afford. Are the people behind this process morally sound. Well I honestly don't pay attention to that and just eat the food I am given because frankly it is much cheaper than organic food. Biodiversity truly is important so I disagree with crop uniformity 100%.

Questions:
1. Is this a political problem, economical, or environmental?
2. Is crop uniformity a good idea or bad idea? Why?
3. Do the morals and values of those behind the technology really matter? Why or why not?

           

From Sequoia National Park's Beetle Rock (Pictured Above), 
a smoggy haze hints at the park's ozone level.


Matthew Newman

Sequoia National Park: Worst air pollution

By: Associated Press

May 29, 2012

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2012/05/28/MNC61OOM6M.DTL

SUMMERY

The air quality in Sequoia Park in California is not good. When you should be able to see far away clearly but is not, the view is limited like the picture. The ozone levels in the area above the National Ambient Air Quality standards. the park has broken this over 87 times. The ozone levels are so bad that park rangers are warned they may get lung diseases from the unsafe levels of pollutants. The unsafe ozone levels have also harmed the nearby pine trees. Scientists are finding yellowed trees in the park. The plants that live there are having problems with photosynthesis process and harming the pine trees survival. Most of the air pollution comes from a nearby valley. Which is where many farms give off pollution from there tractors and stuff. Another source is from the high way nearby which is also the 2nd busiest in California.  since the  park is in the valley it has a high pressure which keeps pollution down scientist are trying to find a solution but are unsuccessful

OPINION 

I was saddened by this by this article. I feel that California really needs to get there pollution problem down be none it is not only in the major cities but in national parks. It is interesting to me because this park like Donora PA also has a problem were the pollution would not leave. I remember when I went to see the Sequoia trees and to know that the are in danger upsets me. Those trees have such along history and now it is threatened.

Questions

1) Would you be interested in working as a park ranger in this park? why or why not?

2) What could be done to stop this problem? How?

3)If you were a farmer would you worry about what you are causing? why or why not?