OPINIONISTA: Why Nassim Taleb’s anti-GMO position is nonsense By Ivo Vegter IvoVegter
A far more interesting argument against GMOs is that of celebrated author Nassim Taleb, who has made a career out of speculating about the risks posed by extremely unlikely events. His books include, on the impact of the highly improbable.
No matter its formulation, it is quite vague, in that it does not specify how serious a potential threat has to be to trigger it, under which conditions the burden of proof shifts from those claiming to identify hazards to those proposing an activity or new technology, or what kind of regulation is appropriate.
In cases where there merely is a quantifiable risk of localised harm, he would apply normal risk management techniques such as cost-benefit analysis. If there isrisk of ruin, however, the statistical probability of it happening will eventually approach one. This, he believes, calls for the application of the precautionary principle.
The question is whether his fears of ruin are indeed warranted. If they aren’t, the precautionary principle would prohibit a technology that has substantial and proven benefits.Ecologically, in addition to intentional cultivation, GMOs have the propensity to spread uncontrollably, and thus their risks cannot be localised,” says Taleb. This is false. Very few cultivated crops have the propensity to spread uncontrollably.
In fact, genetic engineering manipulates very few specific genes – usually only one – of which the purpose is well-known. By contrast, conventional breeding changes numerous genes randomly. He does not explain why a harmful GM mutation would not be selected against in an evolutionary manner, just as farmers would do with harmful traits in conventionally bred crops.
Again, Taleb offers no reason why monocultures involving GMOs pose any greater risk than conventional farming does.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Baxter now says he understands why supporters get so upset with BafanaStuart Baxter has done something of an about-turn‚ saying now that he understands why Bafana Bafana supporters get so upset when results go against the national team.
Read more »
Why the name Mamelodi Sundowns is on everybody's lips in EgyptAs soon as you reveal to the locals here that you are from South Africa‚ the name Mamelodi Sundowns immediately comes up.
Read more »