Synthetic Forests And The Dangers of Genetically Engineered Trees

Synthetic Forests provides an investigation into the devastating effects GE trees could have on our health and the environment.

The documentary features interviews with leading scientists and activists who discuss the negative effects genetically engineered trees can have if released into our ecosystems.  The documentary is a tool we can use together to challenge this destructive technology.  It provides critical information for viewers familiar with GE trees as well as for those learning about genetically engineered trees for the first time.

Many groups including Global Justice Ecology Project, the Campaign to STOP GE Trees, World Rainforest Movement and The Center for Food Safety have been actively fighting the development and release of GE trees. There are 200 groups in the worldwide Campaign to STOP GE Trees alone.

Corporations in the USA and Brazil have requested government authorization to release hundreds of millions of genetically engineered eucalyptus trees to be turned into fuel.

The Genetically Engineered ARCTIC APPLE has just been approved and it was recently learned that a GE LOPLOLLY PINE tree was approved for release without public comment in 2012!

Many other species of trees such as pear and chestnuts are planted in hundreds of test plots around the world and will soon be ready for release as  food if they are not stopped by informed public action.

Because trees could be  genetically engineered to grow faster, have increased density, resist toxic chemicals or kill insects, they are expected to greatly expand the number of industrial tree plantations and bring about the loss of millions of acres of native forests worldwide.  Rich Biologically Diversity would be replaced by plantations of cloned trees,  growing at accelerated rates,  diminishing groundwater and leaving a forest devoid of  wildlife and understory plants.

Interviews in Synthetic Forests will also discuss how GE Eucalyptus and GE Poplar plantations can accelerate the devastation of indigenous communities. Because many GE  tree plantations will likely replace tropical forests, the impacts on  these on local communities will be especially severe, increasing illegal land grabs and disrupting intimate relationships with native forests and the sustainable economic benefits these forest provide.

Without an informed public genetically modified pears, plums and citrus could be unknowingly sold in our markets, just like unlabeled GE foods. Genetically Engineered  apples could cripple USA and Canadian farmers’ ability to ship their crops to other  countries which have rejected GMOs.

The companies funding this GE research and  planting these trees, need to be strongly warned not to  proceed.  The more people that understand and educate others about the very real risks of GMOs, the less investment there will be in GE trees.

Organizations working against these developments need  as many educated people as possible on their side.

Please become informed about the dangers of GE Trees, tell others and get involved in stopping this growing threat.

Synthetic Forests from Raindancer Media on Vimeo.