ecoglobe news (7 April 1999)

Update of Thursday 8 April, 5 pm: Edward Goldsmith will speak at the Memorial Theatre in the Wellington University Student Union Buildings on Sunday, 11 April, at 7.30 pm on Genetic Engineering - The Global Economy - Can we survive? [end of update] Edward Goldsmith, editor of The Ecologist, in NZ" Last year, the printers of 'The Ecologist' pulped all 14,000 copies of the Sept/Oct 1998 edition without notice. The printers, Penwells, refused to comment. But it is believed that they were afraid of repraisals by one of the large biotech companies that promote genetic engineering. "The Ecologist' sheds a different light on claimed "benefits" and promises of genetic engineering biotechnology. Today Edward Goldsmith, editor of The Ecologist, could be heard in an interview in Radio New Zealand's Kim Hill programme. Mr Goldsmith proved the case that his monthly is really "Rethinking Basic Assumptions". Genetically modified crops are not going to "feed the world". On the contrary, the technology and the monopoly of these companies will drive hundreds of millions of third world farmers off their land into the slums of third world megacities, he said. Cancer is caused by the multitude of chemicals that is dispersed in the environment and our food chain, according to Edward Goldsmith. The cancer rate is increasing by 1 percent per annum, he said. Mr Goldsmith, who seems to know what he is talking about, is in New Zealand for a tramping holiday with his wife Cathy. After a trip to the South Island, Mr Goldsmith will make a stop in Wellington on Sunday 11 April. A public speech and debate is being organised and will possibly take place Sunday evening at Victory University. On Monday 12 April Edward Goldsmith will be at Massey University in Palmerston North. [This is a preliminary announcement. Details will be confirmed.] On Thursday 15 April at 7.30 p.m. he will speak at Massey University, Albany Campus, on GENETIC ENGINEERING - THE GLOBAL ECONOMY - GLOBAL WARMING - CAN WE SURVIVE? He is an incredibly well-informed and passionate speaker. We think that this is an opportunity to hear some little known aspects of environmental science from an insider with a long experience. [Further information on the Albany meeting can be obtained from the organising Secretary, Valerie@mentora.co.nz or from jhogan@clear.net.nz] Views expressed are not necessarily those of ecoglobe. See: web site of 'The Ecologist' http://www.gn.apc.org/ecologist/

ecoglobe news (7 April 1999)
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