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New ScientistOCT 2023
Nobel Laureates Ask EU to Loosen Laws on GMOs
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The Spin
Narrative A
As agriculture accounts for one-third of climate-warming emissions, it's paramount that we increase our use of GMOs. Through the use of GMOs — which is estimated by some to potentially reduce emissions by 7.5% in Europe — farmers can use less land, thus leaving more space for animals to roam or even to build solar panels to create more green energy. GMOs produce less and absorb more CO2, making it the perfect combination of agricultural productivity and climate protection.
Narrative B
GMOs are not the solution to climate change or ending world hunger, but rather for big industrial agriculture companies to kill pesticides and boost their profits. Regarding climate change, conventional farming — conducted by smaller, family-owned farms — has proven the true champion over droughts. If we want to reduce poverty and hunger while producing climate-friendly crop yields, we should invest more in smallholder farms and steer away from GMOs.