Scientists are modifying the DNA of bacteria in corn seeds to cut down on chemical fertilizer use, which contributes significantly to climate change.
Eric Lipton reports for The New York Times.
In short:
- Pivot Bio, a California company, coats corn seeds with genetically modified bacteria to produce nutrients, reducing fertilizer reliance.
- Fertilizer production releases greenhouse gases; Pivot’s technology could lower emissions by replacing 20% of the needed fertilizer.
- Critics, including environmental groups, raise concerns about the unknown risks of altering natural systems on such a large scale.
Key quote:
“We are engineering organisms to do things that nature has not designed them to do and releasing them, in the billions, into incredibly complex ecosystems.”
— Kendra Klein, deputy director for science, Friends of the Earth.
Why this matters:
Reducing chemical fertilizer use could lower greenhouse gas emissions, but the widespread release of genetically modified organisms carries risks. Understanding potential long-term consequences is critical as these innovations scale up.
Read more: Exploring the potential of genetically engineered crops in agriculture and the environment
