The dangers of genetically engineered trees
Recently, there's been a global outcry from environmental organizations and scientists against the widespread planting of genetically engineered trees. In total, 137 groups from 34 countries have become members of the STOP GE Trees Campaign, established for this very reason.But why stop the planting of these trees? You would think planting more trees is a good thing, right? Well, the biggest problem is the same with any GE plant: their specifically-engineered trait can actually spread to non-GE trees, causing multiple problems, such as the reduction of lignin, which helps the tree stand up straight. "Escape of these GE tree traits into forests would devastate wildlife, biodiversity and forest-dependent communities", says Anne Petermann, Co-Director of Global Justice Ecology Project (the North American Focal Point for Global Forest Coalition) and Co-Coordinator of the STOP GE Trees Campaign.













