Environmental Inequality

GMO (Genetically Modified Organism)

An organism whose DNA has been altered using genetic engineering techniques.

Biotechnology

The use of living systems and organisms to develop or create products, often associated with genetic modification.

Algal bloom

A rapid increase or accumulation in the population of algae in water bodies, often producing toxins.

Hypoxia

A condition in which there is a deficiency of oxygen in the water, often caused by nutrient excess.

Deforestation

The clearing or thinning of forests by humans, altering landscapes and ecosystems.

Environmental risks of GMOs

Potential negative impacts on health and the environment, including allergic reactions, biodiversity loss, and increased pesticide usage.

International Economic Zones (EEZ)

Sea zones prescribed by the United Nations that are subject to the jurisdiction of a coastal nation.

Overfishing

Catching fish faster than they can reproduce, resulting in depleted fish stocks.

Sustainable development

Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Gender Equality

The state in which access to rights or opportunities is unaffected by gender.

Nutrient pollution

The contamination of water bodies with excessive nutrients, leading to algal blooms and hypoxia.

Microplastics

Tiny plastic particles less than 5mm in size, which can lead to ecological harm when ingested by marine life.

Biological diversity

The variety of life found on Earth, essential for ecosystem resilience and health.

Selectivity in agriculture

The practice of choosing specific plants or animals for breeding based on desirable traits.

Climate change

Long-term alterations in temperature, precipitation, wind patterns, and other elements of the Earth's climate system.

What does GMO stand for, and what is another name for these foods?

GMO stands for Genetically Modified Organism, also known as bioengineered foods.

What is the difference between traditional breeding and genetic modification?

Traditional methods like selective breeding and crossbreeding have been used for thousands of years. Genetic modification directly changes an organism's DNA and can cross species boundaries.

What are the three most common traits engineered into GMO crops?

Resistance to insect damage, tolerance to herbicides, and resistance to plant viruses.

Name four U.S. agronomic GMO crops.

Alfalfa, Canola, Sugar beet

What are the three main human health concerns associated with GMOs?

Allergic reactions from new proteins introduced across species, potential toxicity and increased carcinogenic substances seen in animal studies, and antibiotic resistance from markers used in GMO development.

What are three environmental risks of GMO crops?

Increased pesticide usage, biodiversity loss threatening bees and butterflies, and genetic contamination where transgenic DNA spreads to wild plants and can create herbicide-resistant weeds.

Name two key milestones in the history of genetic modification.

1973: Boyer and Cohen develop genetic engineering & 1953: Watson and Crick identify DNA's structure.

Where does more than 80% of ocean pollution originate?

From land-based sources — reaching oceans through rivers, runoff, atmospheric deposition, and direct dumping from wastewater plants.

Where is ocean pollution most heavily concentrated?

Near coastlines, and most highly concentrated along the coasts of low- and middle-income countries

What is a harmful algal bloom (HAB)?

A rapid overgrowth of algae.

What causes a harmful algal bloom (HAB)?

It is triggered when excess nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus enter a body of water.

How do excess nutrients lead to dead zones in water?

It causes algal blooms. When algae die and decay, the process consumes dissolved oxygen in the water.

What was the Turbot War?

A 1995 dispute between Canada and Spain over turbot fishing beyond Canada's EEZ.

What agreement did the Turbot War lead to?

Canada seized a Spanish vessel, a warship was sent, and the UN ultimately adopted the Fish Stocks Agreement.

What is the core U.S.–China dispute regarding EEZs?

Since 2001, the dispute centers on whether China can regulate foreign military reconnaissance within its EEZ.

How large is the global fishing industry?

91-93 million tonnes caught globally per year.

How much is affected by IUU fishing?

Accounting for up to 1 in 5 fish caught, estimated at ~$23.5 billion per year.

What percentage of the world's fisheries are overfished?

About 33% are overfished, and 60% are fished to capacity.

What is deforestation?

The purposeful clearing of forested land by humans.

How much does deforestation contribute to global emissions?

It accounts for around 10% of total heat-trapping emissions — roughly equal to yearly emissions from 600 million cars.

What are the four main commodities driving deforestation?

Beef (largest driver, mainly Latin America), soy (used for animal feed and biofuel), palm oil (mainly southeast Asia), and wood products (pulp/paper and timber)/

Why is palm oil especially damaging to the climate?

It mainly grows in peatlands, which store 28 times more CO₂ than regular soil. Clearing peatlands releases enormous amounts of stored carbon into the atmosphere.

How much forest has Europe lost over 2,000 years?

80% of Western Europe was forested 2,000 years ago; today only 34% remains. (64%)

What are three legal gaps that illustrate gender inequality globally?

49 nations have no laws protecting women against domestic violence; in over a dozen countries husbands can legally prevent wives from working; in over 3 dozen nations inheritance rights are unequal.

What share of agricultural land and farms do women control globally?

Women own less than 13% of agricultural landholdings and manage only 9% of farms, despite producing nearly half of all agricultural output.

What is the goal of the International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026?

To spotlight the crucial yet overlooked role women play in agriculture — including crop production, livestock management, and food processing.

By how much could women's agricultural productivity increase with equal access to resources?

By 20–30%, directly improving food security, household nutrition, and economic resilience.

What effects are associated with El Niño events?

It brings floods to California/SW US and droughts to the Amazon and Indonesia

What effects are associated with La Niña events?

It brings droughts to Africa and floods/landslides to Peru.