GMOs have been in our diets for about 20 years, writes Rupert Read. Proof that they are safe? No way - it took much, much longer to discover the dangers of cigarettes and transfats, dangers that are far more visible than those of GMOs. On the scale of nature and ecology, 20 years is a pitifully short time. To sustain our human future, we have to think long term.
… Principle. GMOs have unknown ' tail risks ', that is, unknown potential risks of ruin that they harbour as possibilities. No rigorous risk analysis has been done, with regard to …
The Precautionary Principle must mean, above all, avoiding the risk of ruinous outcomes for people or the wider environment, write Rupert Read & David Burnham. When the Philippines Supreme Court applied that test to GMOs, they found they had to ban them - not as a moral choice but pragmatically, to avoid potentially devastating consequences.
… Principle must mean, above all, avoiding the risk of ruinous outcomes for people or the … not justify non-intervention when there is a risk of potentially very serious or … the environment. Specifically, it argues that risk of 'ruin' is a decisive grounds for …
A report published by MPs today displays a shocking ignorance of scientific logic and the nature of risk, writes Rupert Read. Confusing inconclusive evidence of harm from GMOs, with conclusive evidence of safety, they reach a false and dangerous conclusion - that the EU should give free rein to pro-GMO governments.
… of scientific logic and the nature of risk, writes Rupert Read. Confusing … GM crops carry with them an unknown level of risk (which may be small, but is more than … evidence associating GM organisms with higher risks for the environment or food and feed …
The IPCC's most important ever assessment of global warming warns that the world must cut its carbon emissions must be cut sharply and soon, writes Damian Carrington - and the cost is affordable. But in fact, emissions are rising at record levels, and the IPCC's strong support for unproven-at-scale CCS technology will leave many mystified.
… that climate change has already increased the risk of severe heatwaves and other extreme … food security." The report also found the risk of wars could increase: "Climate change can indirectly increase risks of violent conflicts by amplifying …
Europe is likely to become ''the museum of world farming'' because of the failure to embrace GMOs, UK environment secretary Owen Paterson said today. Fiona Harvey reports ...
… to close its doors to GM, the greater the risk that the rest of the world will bypass us altogether. Europe risks becoming the museum of world farming as … under the title Owen Paterson: Embrace GM or risk becoming 'museum of world farming' . It …
Th latest IPCC climate change report says that averting catastrophe is eminently affordable, reports Damian Carrington. A global roll-out of clean energy would shave only a tiny fraction off economic growth, and bring huge benefits in clean air and energy security.
… energy security, which is currently at risk in eastern Europe after the actions of … may never be developed and could bring new risks. The report's final 37-page summary … team. He said there were economic and social risks in transforming the energy system to cut …
Peru is to expand its Camisea gas project although it threatens uncontacted Amazon tribes with extinction, reports David Hill. The decision also ignores UN pleas to stop the operations.
… document." Physical and cultural survival at risk Anaya's recommendations follow an appeal … of indigenous peoples would be put at risk. The VMI's report last week - on the … survival' of indigenous peoples is at risk. …
The president of the World Bank has promised to back out of financing coal developments, and instead target its finance at 'every dimension of renewable energy' under a new climate-friendly strategy.
… normal, a frightening world of increased risk and instability. "The consequences for … Pressure on resources might increase the risk of conflict." Climate change posed a substantial risk to development and cutting poverty, the …
The fictional worlds of film comprise a call to action to transform our own world.
… Willingness and determination I am taking a risk in saying this, and you are taking a risk if you believe it. It is ‘safer’ to … of people who love it. I think that the risk of opening oneself to Avatar and to …
Latest field test could begin in March 2012 after research centre creates crop by synthesising repellent gene found in mint. Hal Hodson reports
… that because wheat is self-pollinating, the risk of cross-pollination was much smaller … country, so it doesn't have a biodiversity risk in any sense. Wheat is far less … as the pheromone only affects aphids the risks are very different from those …
The widespread use of neonicotinoid insecticides is causing a neurotoxic overload afflicting entire farm ecosystems from earthworms to bees, other pollinators and birds, writes Damian Carrington. A collapse in food production may inevitably follow.
… pervasively that global food production is at risk, according to a comprehensive scientific … phased out. The new assessment analysed the risks associated with neonicotinoids, a class …
The cash-strapped French energy giant EDF may sell off profitable stakes in its in its eight existing UK nuclear reactors to raise money for the Hinkley Point C project. But with no example of the EPR design planned for Hinkley even near completion, it may all prove a risk too far.
… even near completion, it may all prove a risk too far. EDF is considering the sale of a … to cash-tight EDF. CGN is understandably risk-averse over EPRs and is reportedly …
On the day Obama bans Artic Offshore Drilling, RUPERT READ predicts a 'volte face' by the climate-change-denying President Elect, Donald Trump. But if this were to happen, would it make things better or worse?
… wind out of our sails, something which might risk taking the heart right out of our fight. … warned above; a bad effect will be the risk that it encourages complacency (as Paris … http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/12/opinion/the-risks-of-climate-engineering.html The idea of …
The LibDems fear the Greens will beat them in the Euro-elections, writes Rupert Read. Now they plan to use Green opposition to the 'corporate charter' TTIP trade deal to batter the Greens on 'jobs'.
… for putting millions of British jobs at risk. Best wishes, Steve Jolly Head of … which will put thousands of jobs at risk. Plaid's commitment to leaving the UK … jobs and billions of pounds of investment at risk. Plaid have consistently voted against …
'Apollo-Earth' is a new mission to bring action against climate change to its Tipping Point. Here's what needs to happen and how you can get involved, write RUPERT READ and DEEPAK RUGHANI
… that they may put the biosphere itself at risk. Apparent improvements, especially in … increasing siren calls in the coming years to risk everything on a climate-engineering …
If progressive parties are ever to defeat the Tories under the current unfair electoral system, they will need to come together in an electoral pact, writes Rupert Read. The alternative could be a succession of ever more extreme conservative governments.
… Because the alternative is grim: it's the risk that the awful moment when we saw the …
Hinkley C's subsidy package may have won European Commission approval - but now it faces a National Audit Office 'value for money' investigation, following a demand from a powerful Parliamentary committee.
… on value for money and the resulting risks which the Department must manage" , said … France in order to bankroll an outdated and risky source of energy. "This is an …
Over in Davos world leaders are desperately trying to find a 'fourth industrial revolution' to keep the 'growth' juggernaut rolling, write Bennet Francis & Rupert Read. But their efforts are doomed: the real challenge we face is to build a healthy, more equal society and a green, sustainable future for us all.
… liquidity will allow them to take more risks, which ultimately boost growth. So … state without putting society itself at risk. Growth or happiness? Isn't it obvious? …
The development of coal mines in East Kalimantan is having a huge impact on local and indigenous populations, destroying the forest and displacing communities. London banks and City financiers take the profit.
… will save the reef”: Great Barrier Reef at Risk from Fossil Fuel Extraction. Last week …
Labour's new candidate for London Mayor has taken a firm stand against Heathrow expansion, write Victor Anderson & Rupert Read. But he's all for it at Gatwick - never mind the climate change. For those who oppose new runways on principle, there's only one choice: The Greens' Sian Berry.
… his opposition to Heathrow expansion runs the risk of being in the end nothing more than …