Ethics of research involving the environment

Gene technology makes it possible for humans to alter living organisms such as plants, animals, and bacteria to cater for human needs and wants. Such needs could include increased crop yields, bigger, leaner, disease-free animals and new drugs or vaccines.

Some biotechnologies are also used for purposes such as veterinary medicine. Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) can even benefit the environment by cleaning up waste material or converting oil spills into non-toxic compounds (bioremediation).

Although many scientists and agriculture companies argue that genetically modified crops require less pesticide and herbicide than other plants, there is still a great deal of debate about the environmental safety and value of GMOs.

For example, organisations such as the Australian Gene Ethics Network, are concerned about the following issues with regard to genetic engineering:

  • Consumer rights and the labelling of GM products
  • The ethics of patenting genes and living organisms
  • Who benefits from collecting genes from plants, animals, bacteria or even people?
  • Eugenics - the idea that humans can be made perfect
  • Human rights
  • Animal rights and welfare
  • The control of genetic engineering
  • Environmental impacts of new organisms

Other examples of concerns about GMOs in the environment include:

  • Do we know if they are safe?
  • Can they be harmful to humans, animals, or plants?
  • Are there other, more environmentally responsible, ways of producing the effects of genetic modification?
  • Do GMOs have advantages over natural organisms and farming methods?
  • Can GMOs independently survive in nature and disturb ecosystems?
  • Can GMOs transfer genetic material to other organisms?
  • Are we causing harm to animals or plants by genetically modifying them?

The subject of environmental ethics also raises questions about genetic modification for human or environmental benefit.

  • Do humans have the right to alter the genetic structure of animals and plants?
  • How do humans see the environment and their connections to it?
  • What sort of connections should humans have with other species and the environment?
  • Do humans have a responsibility to protect other species and the environment?
  • Does genetic modification cause suffering for animals or the ecosystem?
  • How might releasing GMOs affect the environment in the future?