Thousands of children could die after court backs campaign group over GM crop in Philippines, scientists warn

Thousands of children could die after court backs campaign group over GM crop in Philippines, scientists warn

Scientists have warned that a court decision to block the growing of the genetically modified (GM) crop Golden Rice in the Philippines could have catastrophic consequences. Tens of thousands of children could die in the wake of the ruling, they argue.

The Philippines had become the first country – in 2021 – to approve the commercial cultivation of Golden Rice, which was developed to combat vitamin A deficiency, a major cause of disability and death among children in many parts of the world.

But campaigns by Greenpeace and local farmers last month persuaded the country’s court of appeal to overturn that approval and to revoke this. The groups had argued that Golden Rice had not been shown to be safe and the claim was backed by the court, a decision that was hailed as “a monumental win” by Greenpeace.

Many scientists, however, say there is no evidence that Golden Rice is in any way dangerous. More to the point, they argue that it is a lifesaver.

  • piecat@lemmy.worldEnglish
    173·
    6 months ago

    Both GMOs and nuclear can be used to mitigate climate change too… :(

    • efstajas@lemmy.worldEnglish
      4·
      6 months ago

      Exactly! The fact that we’re shutting down our reactors all the while still burning coal is so backwards.

      • afraid_of_zombies@lemmy.worldEnglish
        21·
        5 months ago

        At a certain point I think governments should start investigating Greenpeace. The policies they support are exactly what the fossil fuels lobby would want.

        They are anti-nuclear which effectively means pro-coal.

        They are anti-GMOs which effectively means more fertilizers made from natural gas.

      • cqst@lemmy.blahaj.zoneEnglish
        111·
        6 months ago

        If nuclear waste DID pollute water, it would still help combat climate change, specifically the warming of the earth. It doesn’t pollute water, and nuclear waste can be stored deep underground or reused. But we are out of time to find a “perfect solution” nuclear power is the ONLY option to provide renewable and carbon neutral base load power that other forms of “green electricity” will NEVER be able to compete with.

        It’s coal or nukes. You better figure out which one you want fast.

        • afraid_of_zombies@lemmy.worldEnglish
          3·
          5 months ago

          You, redisdead, already used this personal attack in this thread. Where are the mods when you need one? Thought this was a place to discuss ideas not attack the intelligence of those that disagree