Environmental Ethics: What You Need to Know

The use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is unethical because the finished products are harmful to the environment and health of individuals. GMOs have led to health concerns, which result in diseases and allergies. As such, people who consume crops that are genetically modified are likely to acquire diseases from them. Consequently, some of these crops have antibiotic-resistant marker genes which could be passed on to microbes that cause health problems to people (Murnaghan, 2019). Also, people who consume genetically modified products are prone to allergies that are caused by the interaction of genes from two organisms. On the other hand, GMOs in food production are unethical since they damage the environment due to the chemicals that are used to grow these crops. The other environmental concern in food production is that the genes from the GMOs can spread to other crops, thereby creating menacing weeds that cannot be contained ( Murnaghan, 2019). Besides, the GMOs can cause crops to negatively affect the environment by spreading all over when they cannot be controlled in a specific area. Based on the utilitarian theory, the use of GMOs in food production is wrong because rather than producing positive benefits to both humans and the environment, it brings out negative effects that cannot be contained. The utilitarian theory determines right from wrong by focusing on the outcomes. However, Kant’s theory specifies that the rightness and wrongness of an action do not depend on the consequences but on whether they fulfill their duties. Thus, based on Kantian ethics, the use of GMOs in food production can be viewed as an easier method which consumes less time and can maximize production, which in turn may benefit humans and also the environment. In a nutshell, GMO in food production is considered better in terms of technology and production; however, it causes damage to the environment and to the people who consume the end products. 

References 

Murnaghan, I. (2019, April 9). Ethical Concerns and GM Foods . Retrieved from http://www.geneticallymodifiedfoods.co.uk/ethical-concerns-gm-foods.html