Hypothetical Scenario

Hypothetical scenario – ArborGen (a biotech company) has expressed a desire to plant test plots of genetically modified eucalyptus here at FGCU! This GM eucalyptus has been engineered with enhanced cold tolerance. This allows it to grow not only in Southwest Florida, but potentially as far north as South Carolina. As an eco-aware citizen, the USDA has subpoenaed you to testify on the merits and pitfalls of this plan. Do some research on the web and prepare a brief statement to the USDA addressing the following questions:

•       What is known about the ecology of the eucalyptus tree in general? What are the benefits of this technology? What are some of the potential intrinsic concerns? What are some of the potential extrinsic concerns? Can reasonable and cost-effective steps be taken to mitigate these risks? Do the benefits outweigh the risks?

USDA,

The eucalyptus tree is an exotic tree native to Australia and Tasmania.  They are known for growing very fast and being very tall trees.  These tress produce valuable timber, oils, and kino.  These trees can survive in colder climates, require less maintenance during the winter months, and a great success rate for the trees to spread as far north as South Carolina.  Although this sounds like a great experiment, there are several risks as well.  These trees are not native here, and may disrupt the current habitat.  Also, due to the fact that they grow so fast, once the experiment has begun, it cannot be stopped and the tress will continue to grow. Because of this, the risks and benefits must carefully be examined before beginning an experiment such as this one.  Extrinsic risks such as these trees causing potential harm to the wildlife already present occur.  Many of the insects are not adapted to the eucalyptus tree and they may cause bodily harm to these insects.  Responsible and cost-effective steps to mitigate these risks are unknown.  Only the potential impact on the environment can be determined, and the actual environmental response to this process is unknown.  Due to the high risk of terminating this process once it has begun, I believe that the risks of this experiment do outweigh the benefits.