Genetically Modified
There has been a lot of talk recently about labelling genetically modified food products. Many people are concerned about eating such food merely because they don't trust it. Others are concerned about the plants' impact on the ecosystems they inhabit.
I am not against the idea of genetically modified food, or genetic research in general, but I do think the wrong approach is currently being taken. Granted, before being allowed to sell a genetically modified food product for consumption, it must be shown that it is not harmful to eat, which is a long and, as I understand, quite rigorous process. What I take issue with is the fact that there is very little consideration being taken as to the impact releasing genetically modified organisms has on the ecosystem.
What is needed is a moratorium on release of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), whether they are plants or animals, until we can come to a consensus as to how organisms should be tested/reviewed to be reasonably sure they won't cause problems in their ecosystems. This needs to be a global agreement; individual countries should not be allowed to (potentially) poison the world's ecosystem. After a car is engineered and released to the public, problems arise; the manufacturer can fairly easily recall the car and fix any problems, but the same cannot be easily done with a problem organism or gene.
I am not proposing a stop to genetic research, just to the widespread release of engineered organisms until a formal, global process is established for the review of a GMO's potential impact on the environment. The current cavalier attitude is short-sighted and dangerous.