Until consensus can be reached about how critical in nature a problem is, regulatory provisions are unlikely to be put in place to control it. Hence the need for in-depth ecological research. Genetic engineering - During the last two decades, studies in genetics have overwhelmed the field of biology. Not only do we know more than ever about chromosomes and the genes they carry, we know about DNA and other materials inside genes. Geneticists are now even able to substitute one gene for another in an organism, actually rebuilding the genetic structure that directs an organism's development, behavior, and physiology.
Genetic engineering promises great advancements for controlling certain environmental processes.
In agriculture, enormous strides have been made toward producing pest-resistant crops, genetically modifying the pests themselves, or producing more effective predators on the pests. Could be, but we must proceed with caution, remembering that engineers handling other aspects of the environment have done much good but have also caused a few environmental train wrecks. Environmentalism - Environmentalism is sometimes viewed as an emotional response that is based on insufficient scientific guidance. Yet people opposed to environmentalism can also respond emotionally, with equally insufficient levels of scientific knowledge. Effective environmental awareness is based on a foundation of findings produced by ecologists who, like other scientists, must be objective.