In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the reality of genetic engineering and GMOs and consider how much control we actually have over their impact.
Warnings About Genetic Engineering
The film *Planet of the Apes* has been remade multiple times; based on a novel, it was first adapted into a movie in 1968, followed by a steady stream of sequels and remakes. In particular, the 2001 film *Rise of the Planet of the Apes* and the recently released *Dawn of the Planet of the Apes*—despite their different temporal and spatial settings—both tell the story of apes, once uncontrolled genetic experiments conducted for human arrogance and profit, coming to dominate humanity. These works explore the themes of human superiority and the dangers of uncontrollable technology, themes that sparked significant controversy even at the time.
The reason we feel uneasy about the *Planet of the Apes* narrative stems from the belief that humans are the only intelligent animals. Within this belief, we come to think that animals and nature must remain under human control and domination. Therefore, a film about apes that escape human control and threaten humanity is bound to evoke a sense of discomfort. However, in modern society, in the pursuit of commercial interests, we are engaging in uncontrollable genetic engineering—just as the film warned—and we are not giving sufficient thought to the impact such genetic engineering will have on society and the environment.
The Development of Genetic Engineering Technology
The origins of genetic engineering technology date back to the mid-20th century. The discovery of the structure of DNA in the 1950s sparked a revolutionary change in the field of life sciences. Subsequently, in the 1970s, genetic recombination technology was developed, opening up a new method of genetic manipulation by cutting or joining the genes of organisms using specific enzymes. Initially, this technology was confined to laboratories, but over time, its scope of application expanded into the fields of disease treatment and agriculture.
Genetic engineering technology is primarily used in two major areas: disease treatment and prevention, and commercial crop improvement, as exemplified by GMOs (genetically modified organisms).
In the context of disease treatment and prevention, genetic engineering is used for the mass production of insulin for diabetes patients, the mass production of blood clotting factors for hemophilia patients, and the development of vaccines. These technologies have brought about revolutionary changes in disease treatment and have greatly contributed to saving lives. In particular, since these technologies are primarily carried out in highly controlled laboratories, there are few safety concerns.
On the other hand, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have sparked significant controversy. GMOs refer to organisms in which the genes of a specific organism have been combined with those of another organism, resulting in the modification of certain genetic components. Prominent examples include tomatoes that do not spoil and soybeans resistant to herbicides, with crops such as soybeans, corn, cotton, and canola being the most common. However, various concerns have been raised, including the potential for GMOs to disrupt environmental ecosystems, genetic contamination, and their impact on human health.
Why are genetically modified crops like GMOs widely used commercially? To answer this question, we must first examine the advantages of GMOs. GMOs are resistant to pests, easy to cultivate, highly productive, and can be stored for long periods. These characteristics have been viewed as a key method for promoting mass food production, solving hunger issues, and protecting the environment.
The Illusion of GMOs
However, these advantages of GMOs are highly debatable.
The global hunger problem is not simply a matter of food scarcity but stems from economic inequality and the inappropriate distribution of resources. In fact, as of 2007, global grain production was sufficient, yet hunger persisted. Furthermore, the claim that GMOs can reduce the use of herbicides or pesticides does not align with reality. The emergence of herbicide-resistant “superweeds” and pesticide-resistant “superbugs” has actually led to an increase in pesticide usage.
The Risks of GMOs
Furthermore, GMOs have fatal flaws. First, their safety has not been guaranteed. In an experiment conducted by Dr. Pustai in the UK in 1998, rats fed genetically modified potatoes exhibited problems such as impaired immune function, brain shrinkage, and damage to major organs. Second, once genetically modified crops are cultivated, they are difficult to control. If these crops spread into the wild, they can contaminate the ecosystem, potentially causing irreversible damage. Third, they can destroy ecological diversity. In experiments with genetically modified minnows, there have been reports of GM minnows driving native minnows to extinction.
Despite these risks associated with GMOs, we continue to consume GMO foods for the profit of multinational corporations. Just as humans lost control over the apes in *Planet of the Apes*, the day may come when genetically modified crops, which we cannot control, ultimately cause significant harm to our society and ecosystem.
Conclusion
That is why we need strict regulation of GMOs. The government has a responsibility to clearly label the ingredients of GMO foods and fully inform consumers of the risks associated with GMOs. If a complete ban on GMOs is difficult to enforce, consumers must at least be given the right to make informed choices based on an understanding of the risks. Only when this sense of vigilance spreads throughout our society can we prevent the unforeseen consequences that genetically modified crops may bring.
