Dr Suzuki is described here as an "environmentalist". What's not mentioned is that he's also a geneticist who's seen the problems close up.

EXCERPT: "The vast majority of this science [GM-related] is being applied in sheer ignorance. It becomes downright dangerous".
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Cozy relationship between universities, industry, hurts science: Suzuki
CP Wire, January 26, 2006 [via agnet]

WINNIPEG - Environmentalist David Suzuki was cited as telling students at the University of Manitoba that the cozy relationship between researchers and industry giants is compromising science and environmental security, and is fueling the premature use of biotechnology in areas like genetically modified crops and the end result could be disastrous.

The story says that Suzuki spoke about the dangers of genetic modification before the screening of a video on genetically modified crops that has created a controversy at the University of Manitoba.

Environmental studies professor Stephane McLachlan and his graduate student Ian Mauro created the documentary on farmers' experiences with genetically modified crops.

The release of the video was stalled for years after the researchers accused the university of blocking them from distributing results of their publicly funded research.

Last fall, the university granted permission for the video's release as long as it included a statement that the opinions expressed are not those of the university.

Suzuki said the tremendous amount of money being offered to researchers in the area of genetic modification is pushing the technology to be applied to foods, crops and other organisms before it has been properly tested.

He compared current researchers to Dr. Frankenstein who believed he was working towards the common good but instead created a monster because he didn't fully consider the implications and ramifications of his work, and that genetic modification may well produce unexpected and disastrous results, stating, "The vast majority of this science is being applied in sheer ignorance. It becomes downright dangerous," and that he was "sickened" by the lack of debate around environmental issues in the recent federal election.

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