Category Archives: GM
Better communciation of science to the public is critical to tackling major environmental challenges
There is a pressing need for researchers to better communicate science and technology developments to the general public, says Alan Leshner, chief executive officer of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, in a publication last week. Currently, public … Continue reading
Climate smart farming at the Royal Society
The 2008 Climate Change Act commits the UK to 80% statutory greenhouse gases emissions (GHG) reduction by 2050. The agricultural industry is responsible for approximately 25%, 50%, and 80% of global anthropogenic emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and … Continue reading
Genetically Modified Insects: The future of disease control?
The BES Policy Team attended yesterday’s launch of a POSTnote on Genetically Modified Insects (GMI), and their future potential benefits and possible risks for disease and pest control, with speakers higlighted several issues and challenges that may be faced by … Continue reading
Talking About GM
Can GM technology cure the world’s growing pains? On Thursday, 21 January, the BES attended an evening meeting at the British Library at which members of the public, academics, industry representatives and food producers gathered together to discuss this question, … Continue reading
New Technologies Needed to Feed a Growing Population
Speaking at the Oxford Farming Conference yesterday the Government’s Chief Scientific Advisor, Professor John Beddington, made clear the Government’s view that using the latest advances in science, such as GM and nanotechnology, is vital to make sure that the world … Continue reading
Reaping the Benefits
Following the Parliamentary and Technology Committee’s meeting this week, focusing on GM technology in crop production, I took the time to read the Royal Society’s recent report; “Reaping the benefits: science and the sustainable intensification of global agriculture“, which was … Continue reading
Come back GM: all is forgiven?
The BES Policy Team last night attended a meeting of the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee exploring GM technology. Entitled, ‘Come back GM, all is forgiven?’, the Chair, Ian Taylor MP, made it clear that the question mark was there for … Continue reading
GM crops and food security: curing the world’s growing pains?
The Science Team at the British Library is organising an event at the Library’s conference centre on 21st January 2010 (18.00 – 20.30) entitled: GM crops and food security: curing the world’s growing pains? Professor Rosie Hails, Centre for Ecology … Continue reading
Upcoming GM Debates Reflect Resurgence in Interest
Genetic modification is now a well-established part of the food supply chain, with more than 13 million farms worldwide already growing GM crops. It remains however a highly controversial issue with far from universal acceptance, particularly in Europe. In the … Continue reading
Can GM Technology Feed the World?
An interesting piece in the New York Times (October 26th) explores whether ‘biotech foods can explore the world’. Six experts, from economics, agriculture and policy, deliver their views on whether GM provides an answer to projected food shortages. The United … Continue reading