For the first time in the jungles of the USA’s South Georgia province, a new variety of poplar plants are being planted, which are genetically modified (GM). These GM trees will grow 50% faster as compared to the naturally growing polar trees, and will absorb more carbon dioxide. The GM poplar has been developed by a bio-technology company situated in San Francisco, Living Carbon. This company is also planting these trees.
The company has claimed that these genetically modified trees can curb environmental changes, and due to their quality of absorbing more carbon dioxide, these trees will also help in reducing environmental pollution. This difference in the trees’ genes is similar to what had taken place back in 1994 with GM tomatoes, after which a new industry of food crops had been established. But some scientists are of the opinion that more research is required to be conducted as far as the impact of GM trees on the environment and other effects are concerned, as rushing the same can be dangerous.
The company’s co-founder, Maddie Hall, said that people have faith in GM trees, and a strong evidence of the same is the company getting an investment of over 298 crore Rupees in merely 4 years. It is to be noted that all across the world, China is the only country wherein a large number of GM trees have already been planted.
