Background
The Netherlands Commission on Genetic Modification (COGEM) is investigating the ways in which biotechnology, especially genetic modification, may contribute positively to global change. The result of this project will be an overview of possible biotechnology solutions to the negative effects of global change. Sixteen expert interviews and this discussion website will provide the input to a report that will be presented to the Dutch parliament.
Global changes are widely believed to be caused by a growing world population and increasing economic and industrial activities. Some obvious examples include the increase of CO2 in the atmosphere, pollution, deforestation, possible shortages of (drinking) water and hunger. We have selected four themes to discuss: climate change, food, health and waste.
About COGEM
The Netherlands Commission on Genetic Modification (COGEM) advises the government on the potential risks of genetic modification to human health and the environment. The scope of COGEM covers all fields ranging from agriculture to medicine and from contained use to deliberate release of GMOs. Besides scientific advice on risk assessment, COGEM brings ethical and social issues linked to genetic modification to the attention of the ministers involved.
For further information, see www.cogem.net