7th Lesson

The 7^th lesson of TWC and now it’s the Term Break! This lesson’s discussion topic was on the bio-business enterprise, its development and subsequent impacts.

This lesson, we discussed mainly the impacts of the bio-business industry on our society. The most hotly discussed topic was on how developments in the bio-business industry have impacted the food we consume, and the many issues regarding food that we faced. One point raised in favor of the bio-business industry was that it could now address the issues of food shortages in our society today. The invention of Genetically Modified (GM) foods has helped to address the issue of food shortages very effectively. With GM foods, we can now increase our crop yield and thus feed more mouths in our increasingly hungry society.

Yet, there are also arguments against GM foods. Many people argue that GM foods are unethical as they are against the vary basic of nature, and thus should not be consumed. I, however, felt that the major issue of contention would be that the effects of GM foods, no matter how stringently tested, would still have unknown effects on the health of humans. In worst cases, the basic biology of our human race may eventually be altered due to over-excessive consumption of GM foods.

The bio-business industry has definitely brought many benefits, as well as cons, to our society, particularly where food is concerned. What we must realize is that while this is a long term solution, it cannot be a permanent solution to our food woes. The development of GM foods is still largely under the control of private enterprises, having more capital to engage in such costly research and developments. I personally do not foresee this status quo changing anytime soon, which is why many of us, particularly those in the developed countries, should exercise restraint and reduce the overconsumption of food. In this way, the issue of food shortages would not be as contentious an issue as today.

More time can be spent on addressing all the pros and cons of the bio-business industry. Otherwise, another insightful TWC lesson that deserves an 8.5 rating.