Assessment & Impacts

Principles and Approaches Genetic interactions in ecosystems are more dynamic and complex than acknowledged so far. Genetic change and genetic exchange phenomena seem to occur more frequently in nature than in laboratories, and may be regulated by unknown environmental factors. Local environmental conditions and chemical contaminants (pesticides and other xenobiotics), that will undoubtedly vary in concentrations and combinations between different locations are examples of such environmental factors. These may have impacts on the extent of horizontal gene transfer, and on how modified genes are expressed and affect the recipient organisms. Consequently, it is important to establish model systems in the laboratory, which mimic the ecological interactions and complexity of the real world.

Basis for risk assessment and management:
Risk and probability are not the same. Risk can be defined as the probability of an occurrence of an incident or phenomenon, multiplied by the consequences arising therefrom, if it occurs. At this moment we know little about both probability and consequences in relation to putative health and environmental effects of many genetic engineering applications.

Horizontal gene transfer: Horizontal gene transfer signifies a non-sexual transmission of genetic information within or between species. The phenomenon is common in nature, but our knowledge concerning ecological processes promoting such events and barriers prohibiting them is scanty.

Socio-economic considerations: The impact of genetically modified organisms goes beyond ecological and health dimensions. They have profound impact on society, including livelihoods, production systems, trade, culture and ethics.

Potential Socio-Economic, Cultural and Ethical Impacts of GMOs

This paper identifies some of the potential socio-economic impacts of GMOs and calls for the use of socio-economic impact assessment as a tool to guide decision-making. […]

Silent Invasion

Nearly all the milk, dairy products and pork in UK supermarkets are being produced from animals fed on GM crops, and none of this is labelled, according to a Soil Association investigation […]

GM Contamination – imports of food and feed at risk

This is an assessment of the risk from GM contamination of food and feed in the UK. […]

Identification of Escaped Transgenic Creeping Bentgrass in Oregon

The discovery of transgenic geneflow from GE creeping bentgrass to wild populations. […]

Commentary on the report about the feeding of rats by Monsanto’s GM potatoes

Commentary by I.V.Ermakova on the report about the feeding of rats by Monsanto’s GM Russet Burbank potatoes. […]

GM Contamination Register Report

This report reviews cases of contamination, illegal planting and negative side effects of genetically modified organisms. […]

Genetically engineered organisms and the environment: Current status and recommendations

The Ecological Society of America in this report listed its concern about the environmental impact of GMOs and suggested recommendations in addressing them. […]

Emerging Technologies: Genetically Modified Crops

This chapter is part of the Africa Environment Outlook 2 published by UNEP. It concludes that Africa needs to consider the potential benefits of GM technology against the threats posed to biodiversity, livelihoods and cultural systems. […]

Tarnishing Silver Bullets: Bt Technology Adoption, Bounded Rationality and the Outbreak of Secondary Pest Infestations in China

This report found that the profits Chinese Bt cotton growers enjoyed by saving on pesticides have now been eroded with the unexpected emergence of secondary pests which resulted in the increased use of pesticides to control them. […]

Contaminating the Wild?

Current field trials of experimental, untested GE crops pose unassessed risks to wildlife, yet US government regulators have inadequate safeguards to protect the environment from genetic contamination […]