An interesting post at Extension Daily on the dynamic tension in the alternative energy sector between ethics and, well… ethics. Seeking better ways to produce renewable energy is leading the nation’s researchers to consider the genetic mapping of our biomass sources. The quest to find cleaner burning renewable fuel sources leads right to the debate about genetically modified crops. And Extension Daily plunges right into the matter.
Scientists are hopeful that the knowledge they’ve gained through gene mapping will enable them to undertake dramatic improvements in plantation productivity associated with the tree, possibly even rivaling the strides made from the green revolution in agriculture.
While row-crops, such as cotton and soybeans, have been genetically engineered in a variety of ways to ward off insects and other predators, many experts both within and outside of the forestry industry maintain that trees — in the view of many, the most majestic symbols of pristine nature — should be treated differently.
What, these critics ask, are the environmental stakes involved?
To read more about crossing the ethical lignin (and to understand just how bad a pun this is) read Jim Langcuster’s post on Extension Daily.
