ArborGen plans to plant GMO eucalyptus at FGCU. (Hypothetical Scenario)

ArborGen (a biotech company) has expressed a desire to plant test plots of genetically modified eucalyptus here at FGCU! This GM eucalyptus has been engineered with enhanced cold tolerance. This allows it to grow not only in Southwest Florida, but potentially as far north as South Carolina. As an eco-aware citizen, the USDA has subpoenaed you to testify on the merits and pitfalls of this plan.

There are about 700 species of eucalyptus trees that are found throughout North and South America, Africa, some parts of Asia and Europe.  Some species are used for their potential of fast-growing wood, producing oils used for cleaning and functions as a natural insecticide, and their ability to drain swamps through invasive water-sucking.  The eucalyptus trees are also well-known to have a beneficial economic impact on poor populations.

There are many benefits towards GM produced eucalyptus trees that are beneficial in agriculture, environmental issues, and human health.  GM eucalyptus that are "Freeze-tolerant" will spur growth in forests and help the environment through a gain in forestry in areas where eucalyptus trees would die.  It would increase the productivity for wood, fiber, and energy.  Some potential intrinsic concerns include the act of "Playing God" by altering genetics of the biology of plants or understanding the ethical responsibilities of changing natural genetic codes.  Some extrinsic concerns include unintentionally creating super-viruses that may cause epidemics in human or ecological health.  A way to prevent these super-viruses is through reasonable and calculated steps in the scientific process.  Scientists would have to create isolated experiments that would be lengthy in time and would be very costly.  The benefits may outweigh the risks when using it beneficially for economic impact on poor populations, but these trees have been deemed as the "tree-weeds" of the earth.  They spread and consume too much water, and the spread of these weeds throughout the earth may spread chaos in this already water-depleted world.