Headlines, Trees and Disease

So I was out driving around today and saw one of those newspaper dispensers on the corner near my house. The HUGE headline, that filled the entire page, was "LOVER STRANGLED BY BOYFRIEND." Now do not get me wrong... I am sure that this matters a great deal to her and her family but is it "National News?" Similar to the 6th death in the state from Swine Flu? Why is this on the front page?

Why is this more important that the fact that the USDA intends to approve a full scale planting of genetically engineered eucalyptus trees...


What?

Your serious... GE Trees are more important?
Actually, yes. Would you like to know why they are more important? I thought so... I am going to tell you. There is a pathogen called Cryptococcus gattii which is a fungal pathogen. This fungus causes meningitis in people and animals. This fungus really likes these trees. This "new and improved" version of the eucalyptus tree is a known host for this fungal species and the planting of these trees will result in wide spread contamination of forests and areas where they are planted. Lets not forget cross pollination and wind blown pollination either. There are estimates of pollination occurring 1,000 kilometers from the initial planting sites.

The entire project hinges on the fact that these trees can survive in colder climates. The EPA and USDA have not put together a Environmental Impact Statement or EIS to review any relevant problems that this might cause. The eucalyptus is actually considered a "pest" species or invasive non-native species in many areas and is removed when found.

As far as I am concerned I have yet to read any material which explains WHY we need eucalyptus trees which can thrive in cold climates. And honestly, even if there was a good argument I would argue that the risk of meningitis is not an acceptable risk. Everyone talks about progress and science being the key -- no one is talking about progress towards what or the key to what... doesn't anyone else find that odd?

If you would like more information on this issues or would like to take action to stop these trees from being planted please visit the Center for Food Saftey @ http://ga3.org/campaign/GEtrees

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image source: wikimedia.org, public domain.