Genetically Modified Planet

Genetically modified plants are currently causing controversy worldwide; a great deal has been written about their supposed environmental effects. However, the newspaper headlines and public debates often provide a level of reasoning akin to "this is your brain on genetically modified corn," which is to say, they exclude or exaggerate the actual scientific research on the impacts of these plants. Genetically Modified Planet goes beyond the rhetoric to investigate for concerned consumers the actual state of scientific research on genetically modified plants. Stewart argues that while there are indeed real and potential risks of growing engineered crops, there are also real and overwhelmingly positive environmental benefits.

Genetically Modified Planet reaches beyond rhetoric to describe the environmental science of genetically modified plants. The risks and benefits of these plants are compared, and future biotechnology designed for environmental improvement and eco-restoration is described. Stewart makes the provocative argument that, considered together, the environmental impacts of engineered plants are largely positive.