GM Sugar Beets found to be better for environment than non-GM
from the
New Scientist
bq. Modified sugar beet is far more environmentally friendly than conventional beet. So concludes a controversial new analysis that is the first to measure the wider impact of such crops, including their contribution to global warming, damage to the ozone layer and toxicity to aquatic life.
bq. "Overall, herbicide-resistant GM beet was 15 to 50 per cent better for the environment, depending on what impact was being measured," says Richard Phipps of the School of Agriculture at the University of Reading in Berkshire, UK.
and more:
bq. In Phipps's and Bennett's analysis, they gathered data from published literature, farmers and real field experiments on GM and conventional beet.
bq. They measured various parameters prescribed in an internationally accredited standard, including the energy used in making the weedkiller, and the amount of diesel used by tractors spraying crops. The analysis also catalogues all physical resources consumed and the impact of any pollution.
bq. Phipps says their experimental approach, which they call "life-cycle analysis", could easily be used to test the environmental impact of other farming systems. "There's absolutely no reason why the same methodology couldn't be applied to organic or no-till systems of agriculture."
A lot of the greenies look at specific items, this study took a look at the big picture and found some nice results...
Posted by DaveH at December 9, 2003 1:56 PM