Preface
"Public opinion is not a stumbling block to GMO!" Academician Zhang Qiqi roared suddenly, and his categorical remarks caused an uproar. Where will the genetically modified crops go? How will the public's worries about food safety be resolved? What shocking story will Academician Zhang hold in his hand that will make it so vigorous and straightforward? Today, follow us to get a glimpse of the heavy truths that you don't know under the water...
1. Overview of genetically modified organisms
The so-called transgenic technology is to introduce foreign genes into the genome of target cells or target organisms to express new characteristics. This technology, hailed as a "biotechnology revolution", has been widely used in the field of crops.
Ninety percent of the soybeans and sixty percent of the corn you eat are more or less genetically modified. They are genetically modified to resist pests and herbicides, greatly increasing yields.
But just last week, a new study pointed out that genetically modified crops could have irreversible effects on soil microbial diversity, raising a new wave of concerns. Will this discovery overturn the achievements of genetically modified crops? What kind of controversy will Academician Zhang's "public opinion" ignite?
Obviously, the outspoken and angry shouts of the leading figures in the mainland's agricultural science circles are not shallow words, but must have their inner and deeper meanings.
2. Academician Zhang's point of view
As a leader in the mainland's agricultural science and technology circles, Academician Zhang Qiqi is justified in promoting genetically modified crops. In the article "Science World", he openly declared that "public opinion should not be a stumbling block to the development of genetically modified technology".
Academician Zhang bluntly said: "Many people are prejudiced against GMO, which is due to a lack of thorough understanding of it. In fact, genetically engineered crops have shown excellent performance in terms of insect resistance, drought resistance, and yield increase. "
He even righteously called for "free promotion without prohibition by law", believing that as long as the law does not explicitly prohibit it, genetically modified products should be allowed to be sold and circulated in the market.
Academician Zhang's wild remarks caused huge controversy. Because not long ago, a study showed that genetically modified crops will destroy soil microbial diversity, causing a new wave of concerns about food safety.
Could it be that Academician Zhang has some decisive new evidence in his hands that is sufficient to reverse the misgivings of public opinion? Or is he purely appealing to industrial interests and ignoring public health? Next, this newspaper will exclusively decipher for you...
3. Criticize Zhang's viewpoint
Academician Zhang bluntly declared that "public opinion should not become a stumbling block to hinder the promotion of genetically modified organisms", and this kind of remark will undoubtedly cause public opinion to boil. Because in any modern civilized society, public opinion is an inexhaustible source of power for the country's development and progress.
Let's look back at history: in 1966, hundreds of thousands of ordinary people gathered in Beijing's Huairen Hall to denounce the absurdity of the Cultural Revolution movement at that time; In 1989, thousands of citizens took to the streets with flowers in their hands to call for reform and opening up; It wasn't until SARS struck in 2003 that public opinion finally forced the official to announce the truth of the epidemic in a timely manner...
Every major historical turning point is inseparable from the promotion and supervision of public opinion. As the saying goes, "the people's heart is the royal power of Pei Ran". We need a decision-making mechanism that is inclusive and transparent, not bureaucratic and authoritarian promotion.
Although genetically modified technology has made achievements in improving crop yield and stress resistance, there are also some potential risks that cannot be ignored. Not long ago, a new study found that genetically modified crops can destroy soil microbial diversity and exacerbate the deterioration of the ecological environment.
The public is skeptical about the safety of genetically modified food, and this discovery will undoubtedly further increase the panic. In the absence of conclusive evidence that GMOs are completely harmless to humans, do we justifiably promote them on a large scale?
It is clear that there is some information and cognitive gap between Academician Zhang and the general public, and his arguments have deviated from popular expectations. Therefore, how to eliminate the estrangement between the two sides, reach a consensus, and promote the healthy and orderly development of technology is the top priority.
The masses of the people are the masters of the country, and the personal opinions of a few experts and officials should never be allowed to influence the country's major policy decisions. We need to listen to voices from all walks of life and weigh the pros and cons on the basis of sound science, through open and transparent discussion channels...
Fourth, food safety concerns
Academician Zhang's straightforward "public opinion" undoubtedly struck the most sensitive nerve of the public. Because since the commercial cultivation of genetically modified crops began in the 90s of the twentieth century, the issue of food safety has been the biggest anxiety.
The majority of the population is full of fear and mystery about the "genetic black box". They questioned whether artificially altering the genetic code of crops would cause unintended harm to our health, and whether it would be too late if irreversible harm occurred.
Worryingly, the scientific community has not yet been able to give authoritative and conclusive conclusions on the safety of genetically modified food.
In 2012, a study found that feeding mice to genetically modified corn may lead to faster tumor growth; In 2019, another study said that genetically modified corn may have toxic effects on human cells... Although the results of these studies have been questioned, they still cannot completely rule out the health risks of genetically modified crops.
Just last week, the international authoritative journal Nature published a new study pointing out that long-term planting of genetically modified crops may destroy the diversity of soil microorganisms, and then affect the balance of the entire ecosystem.
Without exception, these findings have triggered a new round of public doubts and panic about the safety of genetically modified organisms. Experts have also called for caution in promoting GM until there is conclusive evidence that it is completely harmless.
So, does Academician Zhang have some inside information that ordinary people don't know? How will he respond to the tremendous pressure of public opinion? We will disclose it exclusively for you...
5. Open and transparent scientific research
Obviously, there is a certain gap in perception and information between Academician Zhang and the public. In order to eliminate the barrier and break the deadlock, the most fundamental way is to let the scientific research process usher in an all-round "sunshine perspective".
Experts and scholars should take the initiative to explain to the public how genetically modified technology works, its application prospects, and possible risks. At the same time, it is also necessary to truthfully disclose the progress and findings of relevant research, rather than keeping the public tight.
Only in this way can the public fully understand the pros and cons of genetically modified technology, instead of being hazy and panicked and blindly resisting. When there is a consensus on the understanding of the people, the path to technological development will be unimpeded.
Another innovative move is to establish a more complete and transparent mechanism at the decision-making level. Not only scientific research personnel, but also relevant government departments should humbly listen to the opinions and suggestions of all sectors of society, instead of admiring themselves and making their own opinions.
After all, as direct stakeholders, the people are the ultimate judges of GM technology. If this style is allowed to continue, and there is a lack of decision-making procedures, we are doomed to fall into the predicament of making mistakes in decision-making and tearing society apart.
6. Strengthen supervision
Even if we finally decide to promote genetically modified agricultural products, we must not take it lightly. To ensure food safety, it is important to start from the source and establish a sound tracking and supervision system.
There is a hard lesson to be learned from history: in the absence of strong regulation, new technologies often cause irreparable harm and disaster in the early stages of development. For example, in the past, when the mainland promoted new pesticides, there were tragedies such as farmers' poisoning.
It can be said that the root cause behind these accidents lies in poor supervision. The supervision of genetically modified products must not repeat the mistakes of the past, and the whole process and chain of testing and tracking must be implemented from farm to fork, and there must be no loopholes.
The right to information and choice of producers, sellers and consumers must also be fully guaranteed. Of course, strengthening regulation will not happen overnight, and will require the joint efforts of the government, scientific research institutions and the public.
So, how should the regulatory responsibility be implemented? What will Academician Zhang respond to this? We will continue to pay attention to the report...
epilogue
It is not difficult for us to find that the development of GM technology is not achieved overnight, and more social efforts are needed to make decisions. However, this is by no means a reason to hinder or stop, on the contrary, we should face it with a more open and inclusive mind.
After all, GMOs have made significant achievements in improving agricultural yields, nutritional value, and stress resistance, contributing to global challenges such as population growth and climate change. We are fully confident that we can reach their full potential without sacrificing food safety. We call on the whole society to work together in the same boat, guided by public opinion, actively and steadily promote the development of genetically modified technology in China, and leave a hopeful tomorrow!