GMOs

As a higher percentage of energy comes from biofuel, the effect of weather becomes greater.  Biofuel needs to stay competitive economically, but global warming's impact is already being seen, extreme storms and weather patterns in recent years are affecting crop production.  There is no guarantee in a given year that the crop will have a high yield.  Another source for biofuel is through second-generation technology.  It requires non-food or non-grain crops as a primary source of feedstock.  Most of the cellolosic biofuel can be made with grasses that do not require nutrients that food crops require.  The main obstacle is the high production cost incurred during the conversion process from the lignified plant cell walls which limits large-scale adoption of cellulosic ethanol production. Transgenic alterations, also known as genetically modifying an organism, are one way to reduce the high production cost.  The breakdown and yield become more efficient when the grass is altered genetically.  Genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, have been used in food crop production. Companies such as Monsanto provide farmers with seed that has been modified to withstand the Monsanto herbicide.  

There are many benefits to using genetically modified seeds for crop and biofuel production.  There is typically a higher yield due to insecticides and herbicides applied to the fields. Plant disease and insect infestation become a nonfactor in risk of production.  Some GMOs also show promise of withstanding more extreme weather.  Future seeds may be able to withstand drought.  With the production of a higher yield in food crop, overall food prices will not increase with the use of crop for biofuel.  Genetically modified grasses can be used instead of starch crops for biofuel.  It seems like a no-brainer to turn to genetically modified organisms, but they do not come without cost either.

The debate on health risks is first of all based on theoretical considerations, and second on the knowledge derived from mammalian experiments fed on GMOs.  There is little known about the effects genetically modified organisms have on the human body.  Some studies on animals suggest that GMOs have serious health risks including immune system problems, accelerating aging, disruption of insulin and cholesterol regulation, gastrointestinal issues, and changes in organs. Not only is there a risk to humans, but also to the environment.  Massive amounts of herbicides are sprayed that have led to resistant weeds.  It is similar to the idea of a 'superbug' that has adapted and mutated itself to exposure of antibiotics.

Prior to researching biofuel production and cost, it seemed the clear-cut answer to the world's energy crisis.  Upon further review, there is no definitive answer.  Biofuel is a cleaner fuel that is renewable.  There is no question the world needs to move away from nonrenewable energy sources.  Is biofuel the complete answer?  It is probably not.  The cost to poorer communities and developing countries is too great.  Food price increases would be detrimental to all.    Genetically modified organisms could provide a solution to higher production and less weather dependent crops, but they do not come without a cost.  There are too many unknown consequences to using GMOs.  A more balanced solution is needed.  Biofuels used in combination with other energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydro could be the solution the world needs.