Europe

The Next Green Revolution

Topics: Agriculture, Food
Photo: Reuters/Finbarr O'Reilly
Photo: Reuters/Finbarr O'Reilly

A controversial article in a recent Economist refers to further evidence of the advantages of genetically modified crops (GMOs).

"The Next Green Revolution" discusses long-standing opposition to GMOs in Europe — many on the continent "have yet to touch or taste them," the article reads — but points out that rising GMO production means it will become increasingly more expensive for Europe to avoid importing them.

I have long been concerned about the Europeans' stance on GMOs — not because Europeans are denying themselves more cost-effective food products, but because of the impact that their position has had on the poor, particularly in Africa. A number of African countries have followed Europe's lead by banning imports of GMOs. I find it to be very sad when the poor and sometimes starving are denied access to less-expensive food because of short-sighted logic in Europe.

The fact that GMOs can provide cheaper food has long been generally accepted. But critics have argued against GMOs on the basis that the crops might have long-term risks. But these risks are vague and unspecified, so to deny the advantages never seemed logical to me. Now that the possible disadvantage to GMOs has been put to rest in many parts of the world, I hope the poor and hungry in Africa and elsewhere can finally access this money-saving solution to an important problem.

Biting the Hand that Feeds You

Countries: Senegal

This week's New York Times article Europe Takes Africa's Fish and Migrants Follow raises a perplexing problem:

A vast flotilla of industrial trawlers from the European Union, China, Russia and elsewhere, together with an abundance of local boats, have so thoroughly scoured northwest Africa’s ocean floor that major fish populations are collapsing.

That has crippled coastal economies and added to the surge of illegal migrants who brave the high seas in wooden pirogues hoping to reach Europe. While reasons for immigration are as varied as fish species, Europe’s lure has clearly intensified as northwest Africa’s fish population has dwindled.

Last year roughly 31,000 Africans tried to reach the Canary Islands, a prime transit point to Europe, in more than 900 boats. About 6,000 died or disappeared, according to one estimate cited by the United Nations.

The question then arises: who bears the brunt of responsibility for these dwindling fish populations and the subsequent affect on local fishers? The foreign boats which deplete the waters and the foreign consumers which demand them to do so? The local governments, who strapped for cash, make decisions to sell resources needed by their people to fill the government coffers and/or fund state programs?

From the Archives

Europe Must Admit Africa to the Carbon Trading Club

Previously filed under: Europe and Middle East, Environment
The time is right for Europe to change its carbon trading rules in order to give Africa access to the market, writes Louis V. Verchot, a climate change scientist.

From the Archives

Fewer Babies Pose Difficult Challenges for Europe

Europe has the world's oldest average population which is causing many European governments to worry about the long-term economic, social, and political impact.

From the Archives

Risking Everything for Europe

Previously filed under: Africa, Global Economy
Industrial fishing off the African coast ruins livelihoods and sends fishermen on a perilous journey across desert and sea.

From the Archives

Can Europe Age Gracefully? - Part II

Europe has proven the worth of democracy and integration, but is in no mood to celebrate.

From the Archives

International Perspectives on Globalization

Previously filed under: North America, General Globalization
The Voice of the People 2006 poll found on average that Africans and Asians tend to view globalization favorably, while Europeans and Americans are more skeptical.

From the Archives

Russia Seeks Greater Economic Influence in Europe

Previously filed under: Europe and Middle East, Global Economy
Russian president Vladimir Putin plans to buy his way into key industries in Europe armed with oil and natural gas revenues worth billions of dollars.

From the Archives

Challenges Facing Europe in a World of Globalization

Previously filed under: Europe and Middle East, Environment
Helle C. Dale of the Heritage Foundation discusses how a lack of economic liberalization is besetting European countries with profound problems.

From the Archives

Globalization - When the Cure Is Worse Than the Malady

Attempts to halt globalization may cause more harm than global economic integration.

From the Archives

Battle Over Steel Exposes Europe's Globalization Dilemma

Previously filed under: Europe and Middle East, Trade
In avoiding takeover by Mittal, Europe's leading steelmaker could jump out of the frying pan and into the fire.

From the Archives

Europe Faces Globalization - Part I

Countries: France
Previously filed under: Europe and Middle East, General Globalization
Wealthy nations practice globalization à la carte, by pursuing foreign firms and protecting their own.

From the Archives

Europe Faces Globalization - Part II

Denmark invests in an adaptable workforce, thus reducing fear of change.

From the Archives

No Globalization, Please - We Are French!

Countries: France
Previously filed under: Europe and Middle East, General Globalization
Populist posturing comes head to head with Chirac's stealth globalization.

From the Archives

Eye on Europe - Grappling with Globalization

British Prime Minister Tony Blair is using his country's presidency of the EU to challenge globalization's critics head-on.

Breaking News

Zimbabwe: Irony of Rich Farmers Without Cash

All Africa - Fri, 05/16/2008 - 13:16
ZIMBABWE'S tobacco farmers are having cash problems. They have so much money in their pockets, but cannot buy what they need because it is in the form of cheques.

Ghana: Fisheries Act Forbids Foreign Vessels From Fishing

All Africa - Fri, 05/16/2008 - 12:22
The Ministry of Fisheries has denied allegations by a group, called the Joint Action Against Pair Trawling (JAAPT) that foreign vessels have invaded Ghana's fishing industry and all vessels plying the coastal areas of the country are engaged in pair trawling activities. It says the allegations are simply untrue.

Surplus Rice in Japan 'Could End Rice Crisis'

OneWorld Daily Headlines - Fri, 05/16/2008 - 19:44
Selling excess rice held in Japan and imported from the United States would incite a rapid drop in the global price of rice but requires immediate action from Tokyo and Washington, write former editor of The Rice Trader, Tom Slayton, and policy analyst, Peter Timmer.

Half in Ten

OneWorld Daily Headlines - Fri, 05/16/2008 - 19:44
Four prominent American social justice groups are launching a campaign to halve poverty in the United States in 10 years.

Myanmar Farmers May Miss Harvest

New York Times - Thu, 05/15/2008 - 21:34
The timing of Cyclone Nargis, which disrupted farmers as they were preparing to plant, could not have been worse.

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