Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have been the subject of much debate and controversy in recent years for the way they are being used by large mono-crop production companies and the experimental nature of genetically modified food. There there however growing evidence that they can be used for ecosystem conservation in a number of ways to help increase biodiversity and help protect endangered species.

Here we will discuss some ways humanity can implement GMO technology for pro-social aims, not simply for the profit driven self-serving motives or large capitalist institutions:

One of the primary benefits of GMOs in ecosystem conservation is their ability to control pests that can damage crops and threaten natural ecosystems. The use of genetically modified mosquitoes has shown promise in controlling the spread of diseases like malaria and dengue fever. By modifying the genes of these insects to prevent them from carrying the pathogens that cause these diseases, scientists hope to reduce the incidence of these diseases in human populations. Another application of GMOs in ecosystem conservation is their ability to aid in habitat restoration. Genetically modified plants that are resistant to herbicides or pests can be used to restore degraded land or to prevent the spread of invasive species. By using these plants to outcompete invasive species or to restore degraded areas, scientists can help to promote the growth of native plant and animal species and preserve local ecosystems.

Scientists are also exploring the use of genetically modified trees and plants to help combat climate change by sequestering carbon from the atmosphere. By modifying the genes of these plants to store more carbon in their tissues and to grow faster and larger. The Idea behind this being: to increase the carrying capacity and sequestration capacity of trees as air filters.

GMOs can also be used for bioremediation, which involves the use of living organisms to clean up contaminated environments. In this instance genetically modified bacteria can be used to break down toxic pollutants in soil or water, helping to restore natural habitats that have been damaged by industrial pollution or other human activities. This was explained in detail by world renowned mycologist, Denis McKenea when he demonstrated the use of mushrooms on oil spills to inoculate entire oil spill sections with spore to convert the biomass into a food source.

Possibly the most consequential use of GMO for biodiversity is to promote disease resistance, which can help to preserve local ecosystems; by modifying the genes of plants and animals to resist diseases or to better adapt to changing environmental conditions, scientists can help to ensure the survival of key species that are important for the health of local ecosystems.

Using these genetic modifications, scientists can help to ensure the survival of old-growth trees and prevent the loss of important ecosystem services that these trees provide. Scientists are working on developing genetically modified chestnut trees that are resistant to chestnut blight, a fungal disease that has devastated populations of American chestnut trees and are working on developing genetically modified eucalyptus trees that can better withstand drought conditions.

Furthermore, as the climate changes, old-growth trees and other static species may struggle to adapt to new environmental conditions. By modifying the genes of trees to help them cope with changes in temperature and precipitation, we can help to ensure the survival of these trees in a changing climate and extend the use of the same modification technology to convert unutilized and underutilized parts of forests for Agroforestry.

Food forests are a type of agroforestry system that mimic natural forest ecosystems but are designed to produce food and other products for human use. By modifying the genes of trees to improve their productivity, scientists can help to create more productive food forests that can provide a sustainable source of food for local communities. Such as genetically modified fruit trees that are more resistant to pests and diseases, and trees that produce more fruit per tree.

Lastly, when it comes to the benefits of GMOs (when inteligently applied by humane pro-social actors) can also help in de-desertification efforts by improving soil. Trees play an important role in maintaining healthy soils by fixing nitrogen and providing organic matter. By modifying the genes of trees to improve their ability to fix nitrogen or to produce more organic matter, scientists can help to improve soil health and fertility in food forests and other ecosystems. For example, developing genetically modified poplar trees that produce more biomass and have improved nitrogen fixation capabilities or in the use of vermiculite to produce healthier soil.

All of these benefits have to be considered against a backdrop of possible risks, however, and the technology needs careful testing before being deployed considering its risks are not well known; and it’s not impossible to imagine a catastrophic scenario arising from introducing GMOs to natural systems and possibly creating invasive species. For example, if genetically modified crops are able to crossbreed with wild plants, they could create hybrid plants with unpredictable traits that could disrupt ecosystems. GMO crops could also harm non-target organisms, including beneficial insects and wildlife, which could lead to declines in biodiversity.

There is also concern about the potential health risks associated with consuming genetically modified foods. Some studies have suggested that GMOs could cause allergic reactions, antibiotic resistance, and other negative health effects in humans and animals.

Considering these technologies would likely be applied (as they are now) within the standard economic model during the economic transition from capitalism, the use of GMOs could also have negative economic consequences for farmers. For example, if GMO crops are patented, farmers may be forced to pay high licensing fees to use them, which could drive up costs and lead to a concentration of power in the hands of a few large corporations. This is of course because GMO manufacturing firms are enmeshed with other firms who have corporate-capture authorities over local and sometimes national governments via lobbying.

Another potential catastrophe associated with GMOs is the risk that target organisms may develop resistance or adapt to the genetically modified traits, rendering them ineffective over time. This could lead to a loss of biodiversity and could create a situation where new, more harmful pests or diseases emerge.

The risk of developing unwanted traits in these GMOs (including the creation of more resistant diseases or more infectious viruses) is the use of A.I in the development of these bio-technologies. Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to revolutionize the way we create genetically modified organisms and develop more effective and sustainable agricultural practices. Here are some ways in which AI could be used to create good GMOs:

Identifying genetic markers: AI algorithms can be used to identify genetic markers that are associated with desirable traits, such as increased crop yields or resistance to pests and diseases. By analyzing large amounts of genomic data, AI can help researchers to identify the specific genes and genetic variations that are responsible for these traits, which can then be used to create more targeted and effective GMOs.

Predictive modeling: AI can also be used to create predictive models that can help researchers to anticipate the effects of genetic modifications on plant growth and development. By simulating different genetic modifications and environmental conditions, researchers can identify the most effective strategies for creating GMOs that can thrive in a variety of different conditions.

Precision agriculture: AI can also be used to improve precision agriculture, which involves using data and technology to optimize crop growth and yield. By collecting data on factors such as soil moisture, nutrient levels, and weather patterns, AI algorithms can help farmers to make more informed decisions about when and how to plant, fertilize, and irrigate their crops. This can lead to more efficient use of resources and can help to reduce the environmental impact of agriculture.

Targeted gene editing: AI can also be used to improve targeted gene editing techniques, such as CRISPR-Cas9. By using AI algorithms to identify specific genetic targets, researchers can create more precise and efficient gene editing tools that can be used to create more effective and sustainable GMOs.

Data sharing and collaboration: Finally, AI can be used to facilitate data sharing and collaboration between researchers and organizations working on GMOs. By creating centralized databases and using machine learning algorithms to analyze and interpret data from different sources, researchers can collaborate more effectively and create more innovative and effective solutions.

GMO technology is neither “good” nor “bad”. Its effects, whether positive or anti-social are determined by how intelligently the technology is applied and on the purpose of its application. If GMOs are utilized by the public to increase health and human wellbeing, the results will be different than if they are used to maximize the financial profits of large agra-firms.