GM Plants in Green Economies: A Risk of Necessity?

Abstract: What this paper endeavors to achieve is an exploration into the issues behind and within the debate surrounding the inclusion of GM plants in a green economic framework. What is first described is the green economic framework, what it is, how it works, why it is desired. Following this is the subject of plant biotechnology, what it is and how it differs from conventional plant breeding, its potential, and how it is changing the economic system through geodistibution and resource maximization. Biorefineries are discussed in some detail to illustrate the combined bio and physiochemical potentials and processes of technology. Risk is defined, categorized, and compared. The management of risk is addressed and the democratization of risk is explored through citizen participation and informational transparency. Following this, the paper delves into perception and how it interacts with risk. Perceptions of biotechnology are managed, for better or worse, by proponents and opponents alike; this is explored through stakeholder identification, and through comparison of their motivations. Barriers to the emergence of green economic systems are identified and the objections put forth, the inclusions of GM plants within them are elucidated. Biofuels, as a crucial component of green economies are discussed in terms of their economic and environmental potentials, positive and negative. The paper finishes with rationale on why perceptions regarding GMOs should be openly and vigorously reconsidered. Placing GM plants back on the political agenda would call for rational debate and broader engagement with the issues posed by biotechnology, by industry, scientists, government and the global populace.