Genetic engineering
The issue
Genetic engineering is generally perceived to be a radically new way of manipulating nature. The ability to transfer genes across species barriers, so that genes found in bacteria can be incorporated into the genetic make-up of a plant, or human genes can be transferred into a sheep, is viewed with distrust by many outside the biotechnology industry. Genetic engineering is the central technology within modern biotechnology, which may include cloning and xenotransplantation, and the patenting of genes.
Different applications of genetic engineering may raise different concerns:
1. Genetic engineering in agriculture
The cultivation of genetically modified (GM) crops and their use in everyday foods have led to concerns about: environmental pollution and the threat to local biodiversity, food safety, consumer rights and choices, farmers’ rights and the threat to their traditional method of planting crops from saved seeds, food security for the developing world, and the increasing dominance of multinational corporations.
2. The genetic engineering of animals
This raises issues specifically about animal welfare and the use which humans make of animals. In terms of corporate involvement animals are being genetically engineered to produce human medicines, and to produce animals for research laboratories. The genetic engineering of livestock animals and farmed fish for food production is widespread at a research level.
3. The genetic engineering of micro-organisms
This technique is used in the production of medicines such as insulin and industrial products such as food additives or enzymes for detergents. This process has raised concerns about accidental releases and survival rates in the environment of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and the implications this could have for public health.
4. Genetic engineering for healthcare purposes
The emphasis on genetics has been criticised as misdirecting resources away from environmental causes of ill-health. The hunt for gene traits, such as the ‘gay gene’ or the ‘motherhood gene’ has been labelled as over-simplistic genetic determinism. The potential for gene therapy to alter germline cells (which make sperms and eggs) in human beings, and the increased use of genetic testing, are seen as possibly leading to ‘designer babies’ and the creation of a genetic underclass.
5. Patenting
Biotechnology companies are seeking to patent not only GM animals and plants, but also newly discovered genes. Broadening the patent system to include living things is seen by some as a commodification of life itself. It is also argued that information on human genes should be in the public domain to encourage medical research.
Its relevance for charities
The different application of genetic engineering could raise different concerns for charities. It may be of relevance to charities concerned about environmental, food safety or animal welfare issues. It may also be relevant to charities concerned about the power of multinational corporations.
Incorporating the issue into investments
It may be possible to apply a negative screen in this area, avoiding companies which:
- genetically engineer crops
- sell GM seeds
- genetically engineer animals
- include GM ingredients in their food and catering products , or do not have an adequate policy on this
Some pooled investment funds include screens in relation to genetic engineering. The Database of funds and fund managers gives some examples.
