It is time to take action in solidarity with activists in Brazil trying to protect their forests from biotech meddling. On March 3rd, Brazil will make a decision about genetically modified trees that could change the planet. Without enough pressure from local movements as well as from people around the world, these GE trees will pollute the planet. We need you to send a resounding message to the makers – No GE trees!
The push for genetically modified trees by biotech, paper, lumber, and energy companies does not have our environment, nor human health in mind, though they make promises of sustainability. ArborGen is just the first to try to get their genetically modified trees into the ecosystem.
Arbor Gen already petitioned the USDA successfully for approval of their GE trees in the US, but don’t let them spread their biotech lies (and seed) anywhere else! Protection groups from around the globe have unified to publicly condemn the US government for allowing the first genetically modified tree to be legalized with zero government or public oversight and zero environmental risk assessments. What’s more, the decision was made despite overwhelming public opposition.
The company already plans to seed the entire South, from Texas to South Carolina, with hundreds of thousands of GE trees. Once these trees are planted, their pollen can drift for up to a hundred miles, affecting other non-GE trees and plants.
Image from globalforestcoalition.org.
Plantations of genetically modified eucalyptus trees are not forests – and the biodiversity of our planet is in danger if GE trees are allowed to be planted in Brazil. GE trees are meant to accelerate large-scale mono-cropping, totally dimissing the profound diversity of the forest.
If GE trees are allowed by international governments, then we can expect the legacy of deforestation, pollution of ecosystems, and the further violation of human rights to continue as they have with plantations of eucalyptus, poplar, palm, and other mono-culture trees. GE trees are an untested and unregulated danger, and should not be allowed.
There are other really sustainable ways to protect our forests – we can plant hemp, bamboo, and other crops which don’t require GE meddling. The arguments that GE trees are needed are based on completely flawed logic.
A Hemp Industries Association fact sheet reports that “hemp produces more pulp per acre than timber on a sustainable basis, and can be used for every quality of paper. Hemp paper manufacturing can reduce waste-water contamination and needs very little to no agricultural pesticides” – and this is just ONE crop that eliminates the need for GE trees.
You can visit stopgetrees.org to learn more and take further action. You can also contact one of 313 Brazillian embassies and consulates, and publish to social media to help get the world out. You are the resistance!
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