Science, Technology, and Society: Biodiversity and Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)

Biodiversity

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life on Earth, encompassing the array of living organisms and their interaction with the environment.
An ecosystem comprises living organisms in a particular environment, combined with the physical and environmental factors that affect them.
Healthy ecosystems are vital for regulating chemical and climatic systems, providing clean air, clean water, and plentiful oxygen.
Biodiversity includes diversity within species (genetic diversity), between species (species diversity), and between ecosystems (ecosystem diversity), encompassing all organisms – plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms.

Types of Biodiversity

Genetic Diversity: Variation of genes within a species.
- Example: Different breeds of dogs or varieties of crops.
Species Diversity: Variety of species within a habitat or region.
- Example: Rainforests with thousands of species.
Ecosystem Diversity: Diversity of ecosystems in a geographical area.
- Example: Forests, coral reefs, wetlands, and deserts.

Importance of Biodiversity in Ecosystems

Helps ecosystems remain stable, productive, and resilient.
Supports natural services such as pollination, soil fertility, clean water, and climate regulation.
Provides habitats and food for all life forms.
Helps ecosystems recover from disturbances.
Food Security: A wide range of crops and livestock.
Medicine: Plants and animals are sources of life-saving drugs.
Economic Value: Jobs in agriculture, forestry, and tourism.
Cultural Importance: Spiritual, aesthetic, and recreational values.
Ecosystem Services: Clean air, fresh water, and climate control.
Relevance of Biodiversity to Human Life

Relevance of Biodiversity in STS (Science, Technology, and Society)

Science: Scientific research helps us understand species, ecosystems, and their interactions.
- Biology, ecology, and environmental science monitor biodiversity changes.
- Discoveries in biodiversity lead to innovations in medicine, agriculture, and sustainability.
Technology: Technology aids in conservation efforts.
- Satellite imaging and drones monitor ecosystems.
- Genetic engineering supports species protection and crop improvement.
- Databases and AI track endangered species and biodiversity patterns.
Society: Human societies rely on biodiversity for food, water, medicine, and cultural identity.
- Biodiversity loss impacts health, economies, and social stability.
- Society’s actions (pollution, deforestation, overexploitation) directly affect biodiversity.
STS Integration: STS promotes ethical, sustainable decision-making regarding natural resources.
- Encourages interdisciplinary solutions combining scientific research, technological tools, and social responsibility.
- STS frameworks help us analyze the consequences of our actions on biodiversity and develop strategies for conservation.

Major Threats to Biodiversity

Deforestation:
- Clearing forests for agriculture, urban development, and logging.
- Tropical rainforests, like the Amazon, hold a high percentage of the world’s known species.
Pollution:
- Industrial waste, agricultural chemicals, plastic pollution, and air emissions.
- Pollutants can influence species habits, though they may not always cause extinction.
Climate Change:
- Greenhouse gas emissions from burning fossil fuels, agriculture, and deforestation.
- Climate change forces species to adjust, but many are not able to cope, causing them to die out.
Invasive Species:
- Human activities such as global trade, travel, and environmental disruption.

Nature’s Hidden Health System

Biodiversity supports human health by:
- Clean air and water: Wetlands and forests naturally filter pollutants.
- Healthy food: A variety of plants, animals, and microbes help maintain strong and resilient food systems.
- Climate balance: Ecosystems regulate the climate, protecting us from health threats like heat waves, floods, and droughts.
- Peace of mind: Green spaces rich in biodiversity reduce stress and anxiety and improve our mental health.

Biodiversity Conservation Strategies

Protected Areas: National parks, wildlife reserves, and marine sanctuaries that guard habitats and species from human exploitation.
Sustainable Practices: Methods like sustainable agriculture, forestry, and fishing help conserve biodiversity by minimizing environmental impact and preserving ecosystems.
Role of Science: Scientific research guides conservation efforts by identifying endangered species, monitoring ecosystems, and developing restoration techniques.
Policy and Legislation: Environmental laws, international agreements, and government policies regulate human activities and support conservation initiatives.

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)

GMOs are living things (plants, animals, or microbes) whose genes have been changed using science.
These genetic modifications aim to improve the organism or make it a vehicle for faster and efficient manufacturing and delivery of a product.
GMOs differ from natural breeding through faster and more precise modifications.

A Short History of GMOs

1973: Herbert Boyer and Stanley Cohen created the first GMO, a bacterium resistant to the antibiotic kanamycin.
1974: Rudolf Jaenisch creates the first genetically modified animal, a mouse.
1983: The first genetically modified plant, antibiotic-resistance tobacco, is created.
1990: The first wave of genetically modified produce becomes available, including summer squash, soybeans, cotton, corn, papayas, and more.
1994: First GMO food sold—Flavr Savr tomato (stays fresh longer).
2000s: GMO corn, soy, cotton, and rice widely used.
Now: GMOs are used in both food and medicine (like insulin).

Examples of Common GMOs

Golden Rice: Rice with vitamin A to help fight blindness.
Bt Corn: Makes its own protection from pests.
GMO Soybeans: Resistant to weed-killing chemicals.
Insulin from GMO bacteria: Helps people with diabetes.

Scientific Goals of Genetic Modification

Agriculture Goals:
- Grow more food (higher yields).
- Resist pests and drought.
- Reduce chemical use (like pesticides).
Health Goals:
- Create food with better nutrition (like Golden Rice).
- Make medicine (like vaccines, insulin).
- Study and cure diseases with genetic tools.

Health Benefits of GMOs

Nutritional Enhancement:
- Genetically modified organisms like golden rice are enriched with beta carotene (Vitamin A precursor) to combat Vitamin A deficiency.
Reduce Need For Chemicals:
- GMO ensures sustainable food production by making crops resistant to drought, pest or poor soil.
- Plants are able to produce their own natural insecticide like BT (Bacillus thuringiensis) corn, reducing the need for harmful pesticide application.
Improved Shelf Life:
- Certain GM crops (e.g., non-browning apples) last longer, reducing food waste.
Medical Applications:
- Microbial GMO’s produce insulin, growth hormones, and vaccines more affordably and safely.

Scientific Consensus on GMOs

Major scientific bodies (e.g., WHO, NAS) conclude that GMO foods are not inherently more risky than conventional foods.
Many scientists support GMOs with caution, recommending constricted safety evaluations and transparency.
The Philippines continues to develop and regulate GMOs through biosafety frameworks.

Risks of GMOs

Allergic Reactions
Environmental Impact
Economic Dependence
Ethical/Social Issues

Microbial Biotechnology

Germ Catcher: A health aid that will enable people to reduce the spread of diseases caused by viruses and germs.
Microbes can act as biosensors to detect harmful germs in water, air, or the human body.
Through synthetic biology, they can be programmed like "smart drugs" to deliver medicine or attack diseases like cancer.
They're also used in vaccine development, helping produce low-cost, easy-to-use vaccines for developing countries.
Additionally, they play a role in environmental cleanup, where certain microbes are designed to break down pollution such as oil spills or toxic waste, making our surroundings cleaner and safer.

Global Policies on GMOs

European Union (EU): Employs a precautionary and stringent regulatory framework for GMOs, emphasizing the protection of human and animal health and the environment through rigorous safety assessments prior to market approval.
China: Maintains a highly controlled and biosafety-focused GMO regulatory framework governed by the "Regulations on Safety of Agricultural Genetically Modified Organisms" (2001).
Brazil: Operates under the National Biosafety Law (2005), which established the National Biosafety Council (CNBS) and the National Technical Biosafety Commission (CTNBio).
United States: GMO regulation is handled by the USDA, EPA, and FDA under the Coordinated Framework for the Regulation of Biotechnology (1986), using a risk-based approach.

Golden Rice

Golden rice was developed to combat vitamin A deficiency, a major cause of disability and death worldwide, preventing blindness and mortality in children.
It contains beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A.
In 2021, the Philippines became the first country to approve Golden Rice for commercial propagation, but the permit was later revoked by the Court of Appeals.

Philippine Stance on Golden Rice

The Philippines has taken a cautiously supportive stance on GMOs, balancing between promoting biotechnology and addressing public and environmental concerns.

SUPPORT

PhilRice: A government-run research institute that conducts research on GM rice varieties, including Golden Rice, and ensures that GM crops are safe, effective, and suitable for Filipino farmers.
IRRI (International Rice Research Institute): A global research center that partners with the Philippines and other countries to improve rice production, often using modern biotechnology and genetic engineering.

OPPOSITION

MASIPAG (Farmer-Scientist Partnership for Development): Argues that Golden Rice is not a practical solution to vitamin A deficiency and that existing, non-GMO programs are more effective and affordable. They question its effectiveness and address the broader social, economic, and cultural causes of malnutrition.

Public Perception of GMOs

GMOs receive mixed reactions from the public.
Many scientists and health experts say GMOs are safe and beneficial, especially in food and medicine.
Others remain concerned about possible long-term health effects, harm to the environment, and economic impacts on small farmers.
In the Philippines, the case of Golden Rice has been highly debated.

Ethical Debates About GMOs

Ethics focuses on what is right or wrong.
GMOs raise several ethical questions:
- Changing Nature: Some believe it's wrong to change the genes of living things, while others argue it's just a modern version of farming.
- Control and Ownership: Many GMOs are owned by big companies, which can make farmers dependent on expensive seeds.
- Informed Consent: People want to know what they’re eating and decide if they want GMOs in their food.

GMO Labeling

Labeling means informing consumers whether a product contains GMOs.
The European Union, China, and Brazil have strict labeling laws.
In the United States, labeling is more relaxed—some products are labeled as “bioengineered,” but not all GMO ingredients are disclosed.

Media and Advocacy Group Influence

Media and activist groups have a strong impact on how people view GMOs.
Can educate the public using facts and expert opinions.
Can also spread fear or bias, especially through social media or clickbait headlines.
Groups like Greenpeace and MASIPAG campaign against GMOs, focusing on environmental safety and farmer rights.
Supporters like IRRI and PhilRice promote GMOs like Golden Rice as tools to fight malnutrition and hunger.

Key Organizations

MASIPAG (Magsasaka at Siyentipiko para sa Pag-unlad ng Agrikultura): A Filipino network of farmers, scientists, and NGOs that opposes GMOs, promotes organic agriculture, and believes Golden Rice is not a real solution to malnutrition.
Greenpeace: An international environmental group that campaigns against GMOs due to concerns about biodiversity, environmental safety, and corporate control of agriculture.

Global and Local Regulation of GMOs

Global Bodies

Codex Alimentarius (Food Code): A collection of food standards, guidelines, and codes of practice adopted by the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC), established by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

Local Bodies

Coordinated Framework for Regulation of Biotechnology: Established as a formal policy in 1986, it describes how the U.S. Government agencies responsible for oversight of the products of agricultural modern biotechnology work together (USDA-APHIS, EPA, FDA).
National Committee on Biosafety of the Philippines (NCBP): Established in 1990 to oversee genetic engineering experiments; it is an interdepartmental committee comprising the Department of Agriculture, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Health, and the Department of Science and Technology.

Future Prospects of GMOs

GM crops could contribute to food production increases and thus improve the availability of food at global and local levels.
GMOs can be engineered to enhance nutritional value, such as golden rice with increased beta-carotene content.

GMOs and Biodiversity

Avoids farmland expansion: Higher yields on cultivated land reduce the need for additional cropland expansion, preserving natural biodiversity.
Protects farmland biodiversity: GM crops preserve varietal diversity by reducing the need for synthetic insecticides, leading to higher insect biodiversity on farms compared to conventional varieties.
Decreases $CO_2$ emissions:
- Pest-resistant GM crops have significantly reduced insecticide sprays globally, decreasing pesticide use by an estimated 37%.
- The use of some GM crops has led to a transition to zero-tillage farming, resulting in a reduction of 2.4 billion kg of carbon dioxide emissions.
Addresses climate change: GM crops under development show evidence of contributing to climate change mitigation and adaptation.

GMOs and Public Health

Nutritional benefits: Biofortified GM crops enhance micronutrient availability, preventing and treating diseases like cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension.
Lowering cancer incidences: GM crops, like Bt cotton, have significantly decreased pesticide poisoning cases due to reduced insecticide applications and exposure.
Reductions in pesticide poisonings: Insect-resistant GM crops, particularly maize, have lower concentrations of mycotoxins, fumonisins, and thricotecens, which are toxic and carcinogenic.
Mental health benefits: GM crops can reduce stress related to potential crop failure, financial debt, and food security.

Biodiversity and Public Health

Biodiversity supports food security, dietary health, and livelihood sustainability.
Genetic diversity in food systems is crucial for crop development, food security, and resilience to environmental stresses like pests and diseases.
Loss of agricultural biodiversity can jeopardize health, livelihoods, and future food security.
Biodiversity provides important resources for medical research.
Studies of wildlife anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry can lead to important developments in human medicine.
Biodiversity plays a role in the regulation and control of infectious diseases.
Biodiversity loss and ecosystem changes can increase the risk of infectious diseases in humans, animals, and plants.
Recent outbreaks like SARS and Ebola have been linked to human impacts on nature.
Without better understanding of disease ecology, disease control efforts may harm biodiversity through chemicals and wildlife interventions.