Genetically modified food of Monsanto Company

Introduction Monsanto Company, the multinational agricultural biotechnology establishment, has assumed international relevance as a leading supplier of genetically modified seed and associated products.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Genetically modified food of Monsanto Company specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More However, over the years the company has found itself on the hot seat in regards to the safety of some of its products (ANH Feature, 2012). For instance, Monsanto released a hormone which was said to increase milk production by up to 16 percent, when injected to cows (Bijman, 1996). The product, known as recombinant bovine somatotrophine, was received with a lot of opposition from farmers not affiliated to Monsanto, claiming that the milk produced by injected cows was not safe to use (Bijman, 1996). This led to some processors indicating that their milk was sourced from cows that were free of the synthetic hormones. This essay seeks to analyze the ethical dilemma that Monsanto faces in regards to the reception of its products. Reasons pro-genetic modification Genetic modification, particularly in the agricultural field, which Monsanto is involved in, has a number of benefits. First, it has been time-proven that genetic modification helps increase the farm yields (Morgan, 2003). The quality of produce grown from genetically engineered seeds is also of a better quality than that from regular seeds.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Secondly, genetic modification has seen the development of crops that can tolerate harsh climatic conditions and parasitic infestation (Morgan, 2003). This has seen some regions bid farewell to famine and starvation on account of great harvests made. Reasons against genetic modification Genetic modification, can lead to adverse conditions on the consum ers of its products. For instance the herbicide Roundup, a product of Monsanto, has recently been in the news for its linkage with cancer (Ng, 2012). For example, French scientist Gilles-Eric Seralini recently released the findings of his study, indicating that rats fed with genetically modified corn and/or water containing the Roundup, had a high propensity to cancer development (Newman, 2012). Such threats, if not well addressed could lead to more people suffering harm from the products, effectively wiping out the positive elements of such modification. Solving the ethical dilemma Using Emmanuel Kant’s duty-based (Deontological ethics), I would vote to allow Monsanto continue with their practice. This is because in its foundation, the company aimed at increasing food production and not propagating illnesses (Arendt, 2006). Allowing Monsanto continue production would in this instance be the right thing to do even though a small section of the people who use their products ma y be adversely affected.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Genetically modified food of Monsanto Company specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Following the first categorical imperative, which insists on universal law formulation, allowing Monsanto continue production should apply for any other institution, whose intention is the same as Monsanto’s (Ellington, 1993). The second categorical imperative also applies in this particular case by indicating that any decision made should be regarded as an end in itself and not merely a means to an end (Hadley, 1986). As such, Monsanto should be allowed to continue production, because in this way they immediately help put an end to world hunger. Finally, in relation to the third categorical imperative, the kingdom of ends formulation, allowing Monsanto continue production should be received as a way to help in the development of laws to govern the operation of establishm ents in the field of genetic modification as well as help solve issues immediately. Conclusion This essay has analyzed the ethical issues surrounding Monsanto’s operation. In this regard, the discussion first provided the reasons for genetic engineering, as well as those against the technology, before delving into the ethical issues. It has been concluded that supporting Monsanto would be the most ideal decision in this case. Reference List ANH Feature: French Study indicates Monsanto Maize and Roundup cause cancer.  (2012). Web. Arendt, H. (2006). Eichmann in Jerusalem: A Report on the Banality of Evil. London: Penguin Classics.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Bijman, J. (1996), â€Å"Recombinant Bovine Somatotropin in Europe and the USA.†Ã‚  Biotechnology and Development Monitor, No. 27 (1), 2-5. Ellington, J. (1993). Grounding for the metaphysics of morals. Indiana: Hackett. Hadley, A. (1986). First Things: An inquiry into the first principles of morals and justice. Princeton: Princeton University Press. Morgan, S. (2003). Superfoods: Genetic Modification of Foods (Science at the Edge). United Kingdom: Heinemann. Newman, A. (2012). Russia bans GMO corn over Cancer fears as pressure builds on  Monsanto. Web. Ng, A. (2012). Genetically modified corn and cancer – what does the evidence  really say? Web. This essay on Genetically modified food of Monsanto Company was written and submitted by user Grace Talley to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. 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The Importance of Open and Honest Communication Essays

The Importance of Open and Honest Communication Essays The Importance of Open and Honest Communication Paper The Importance of Open and Honest Communication Paper Name: Instructor: Course: Date: The Importance of Open and Honest Communication Introduction Open and honest communication is vital while interacting with other people, and especially with those people who have special meaning such as families and close friends. It is important that the truth be upheld as much as possible in order to avoid difficult situations that are brought about by telling direct lies or simply altering the truth. The incidences described in these two stories present two men who had earlier opportunities to reveal the truth to those close to them but did not do so, leading to difficult situations later on because of their silence. My Kid’s Dog In this story, the aspect of open and honest communication reveals itself. In this case, the persona should have informed his family about his problem with the dog. It would be better to inform someone about an issue that makes you uncomfortable rather than hurting silently. We can establish that the persona realizes the importance of open and honest communication rather partially than fully. The issue of burying the dog without his family’s knowledge disturbs his conscience and he finally decides to open up. However, he still harbors his problem of being uncomfortable around dogs. The situation could now repeat itself if the family decide to replace Scruffy with another dog. Jealous Husband Returns in Form of Parrot The man in this story remembers how, while still alive, he suspected his wife of being unfaithful but could not confront her because he did not have enough evidence against her. However, now back to life in form of a parrot, he understands that his wife is now a widow looking for another partner and that he has to accept his wife’s decisions. The man now realizes the importance of having an open and honest relationship in marriage. Judging by how he feels, we can tell that he is in regret. It dawns on him that he should have spoken his mind when he had the chance in the previous life. He realizes that it would have been better if he had opened his heart and let his wife know of his problem. However, it is now too late and he cannot change reality. In regret, he looks across from within his cage, sees the blue skies with other birds enjoying the air, and wishes that he too could break out of the cage and fly. Conclusion In conclusion, both the men in these two stories were not honest in their communication with their loved ones but unlike the man in the first story who had several chances to tell the truth, the man in the second story needed evidence to justify his claims. Both of these men also chose to be dishonest in order to maintain a good relationship with their loved ones. Indeed, the two stories have a similar message over open and honest communication. It is important that we always express our honest opinion and decision about the things that face us daily in life to avoid difficult situations in the future.

Environmental policy and energy in the next 30 years Research Paper - 1

Environmental policy and energy in the next 30 years - Research Paper Example It is forecast that by 2025 natural gas will occupy the second position among all energy sources to be used worldwide. Much of the natural gas demand will be met by supplies from unconventional sources such as shale and rock formulations and it is estimated that its contribution will be almost 30 percent of total global production and the gas from shale and rock can meet world demand for next 250 years based on the current demand levels. China will witness the largest growth in gas consumption through 2040 amounting to nearly half of Asia pacific non-OECD consumption growth. Oil and natural gas together will meet 60 percent of the world energy needs. Demand for coal will reach at its pinnacle around 2025 and then will continue to decline due to shift toward non-polluting or lesser carbon emitting energies. Overall, oil, gas, and coal together will account for almost 80 percent of the energy needs of the world. Renewable sources of energy such as solar, wind and bio-fuels will registe r strong growth and likely to meet around 4 percent global energy demand by 2040. Hydropower and wind energy will show the fastest growth among the renewable energy sources – likely to register 8 percent a year growth. ... Nuclear energy is likely to grow at 2.2 percent a year worldwide and will have a checkered growth after Fukushima mishap in Japan (ExxonMobil, 2012). Below mentioned graph shows world energy consumption pattern between OECD and non-OECD countries. Source: http://www.eia.gov/forecasts/ieo/world.cfm In 2008, transportation sector consumed 27 percent of the total world energy demand and will grow at the rate of 1.4 percent until 2040. Major consumption or increase in demand will be from non-OECD countries as more and more people are adopting personal mode of transportation. Lesser population and economic growth in the OECD nations through 2040 will restrict the energy growth in the transportation sector at lowly 0.3 percent against likely growth of 2.6 percent per year in the non-OECD countries. Over the next 30 years, hybrid vehicles will become the mainstream vehicles for transportation needs and it is expected that by 2040, hybrid and other fuel efficient vehicles will constitute 50 percent of all light duty vehicles plying on the road. Commercial transportation energy needs through 2040 will also rise by 45 percent (ExxonMobil, 2012). Below mentioned chart shows likely consumption of energy in the transportation sector in OECD and non-OECD countries from 2008 through 2035. Source: http://www.eia.gov/forecasts/ieo/world.cfm Environmental Impact Burning of fossil fuels release huge amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere that lead to the greenhouse effect in which, gases such as carbon-dioxide, methane etc. absorb the heat and then release it back to the earth atmosphere (International energy agency, 2012). Due to higher consumption of fossil fuel (coal, oil, and gas) in next 30 years, the levels of global