Mark Lynas On GMOs

Way back on January 4, 2013, in Mark Lynas Recants on GM Agriculture, I discussed high-profile former GMO-critic Mark Lynas' change of heart in favor of genetic modification of agricultural organisms.  In an op-ed entitled "How I Got Converted to GMO Food", published in the Sunday New York Times on April 26, 2015, Lynas offered his impassioned advocacy of the agricultural benefits of genetic engineering.  Here is a remarkable passage from the article:

After writing two books on the science of climate change, I decided I could no longer continue taking a pro-science position on global warming and an anti-science position on G.M.O.s. 

There is an equivalent level of scientific consensus on both issues, I realized, that climate change is real and genetically modified foods are safe. I could not defend the expert consensus on one issue while opposing it on the other.

As I described in Intellectual Property as the Third Dimension of GMO Regulation, the history of opposition to GM food is replete with scientific myths and reversals of rationale and opinion.  Even so, it is remarkable to watch the continuing metamorphosis of Lynas' views from those of sworn opponent to those of passionate proponent.