Why are GMOs considered a threat to environmental safety?

GMOs, or genetically modified organisms, are seen as a potential threat to environmental safety primarily because they can transfer genes between different species. This gene transfer can occur through various mechanisms, such as cross-pollination between GM crops and wild relatives, which may introduce new traits into wild populations. This creates unpredictable consequences for ecosystems, including potential disruptions to local species interactions and biodiversity.

The ability of GMOs to incorporate foreign genetic material raises concerns about the long-term ecological impacts, as these changes can affect food webs, habitat dynamics, and species evolution. Such unpredictable effects can make it difficult to anticipate how ecosystems will respond, posing risks to both the environment and human health.

While some options may highlight benefits associated with GMOs, such as reducing pesticide use, these are secondary to the fundamental concerns about gene transfer and its ecological implications. Highlighting the potential for genetic flow into non-target species emphasizes why caution is warranted when considering the deployment of GMOs in agriculture and natural environments.