Biotechnology Can Fight Climate Change—but Trade Negotiators Need to Act -

"Emerging biotechnology, such as gene-editing, can safely and effectively change our planet's future for the better."

Why this is important: This article highlights recent advances of biotechnology in the agricultural sector and the barriers created to employing this technology. Among the benefits touted are: higher yields of crops, fewer carbon emissions, better drought resistance, use of fewer pesticides, the ability to store produce for longer periods of time, and more nutritious fruits and vegetables that are higher in vitamins and minerals. These crops can reduce global hunger while also reducing climate change caused by carbon emissions -- but only if this biotechnology is embraced. At a time of heightened distrust of both government and science, that may be a tall order. The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement of 2020 laid the regulatory framework for employing these advances, but Mexico continues to block the import of U.S. biotechnology crops regardless. With U.S. farmers relying on trading partners, like Mexico, to make the transition to biotechnology crops successful, the window of opportunity on wide-spread adoption of these advances may be closing.