http://archives.foodsafety.ksu.edu/agnet/2003/6-2003/agnet_june_23.htm#IF

 

 

IF TECHNOLOGY IS KILLING US, WHY ARE WE LIVING LONGER?²
June 23, 2003
Life Sciences Network
http://www.lifesciencesnetwork.com/news-detail.asp?newsID=4179
Via AgBioView at www.agbioworld.org

This and other pertinent questions were put to an invited audience at the
American Embassy in Wellington today by Thomas R. DeGregori, Economics
Professor from Houston University, Texas.
Professor DeGregori¹s address, ŒTechnology Transfer, 1st World Myth and 3rd
World Reality¹ was particularly relevant to New Zealand, as we face the
lifting of the moratorium on genetic engineering in October.  ³Everywhere I
have worked in the world, people want access to the latest technology.
Meanwhile, people in developed countries are saying modern technology is
killing us, but why are we living longer and healthier lives?² Professor
DeGregori said.
³Genetic modification is one of the most interesting technological
transformations of our time. The discovery of DNA has allowed us to produce
the first GM pharmaceutical insulin, which is now around 97 percent
manufactured using this method.
³New pharmaceuticals are so well targeted that we have seen significant
improvement in cancer drugs, with far less side effects. Some of the latest
cancer drugs only target a particular type of protein that exists in
tumours, reducing the possibility of side effects to almost zero.² On the
topic of technology in agriculture, Professor DeGregori cited the positive
environmental and economic benefits seen since the introduction of
transgenic crops in the mid-nineties.
³Crops engineered for herbicide tolerance have brought an enormous decline
in pesticide and fuel use by farmers. The potential for farmers in poor
countries to reduce costs in pesticides, water, fuel and labour input while
increasing crop yields offers an opportunity to improve their lives and that
of their families. When mothers are better nourished the height of their
children increases, which is matched by longer life expectancy.  Technology
has brought about these changes.
³If planting GM crops was uneconomic, farmers wouldn¹t want to use it, but
they do. We have the technology to lengthen life expectancy and improve our
health. It¹s our responsibility to carry it forward.²