Publications
NEW REPORT
The Global Status of Genetically Engineered Tree Development: A Growing Threat
The global release of genetically engineered (GE or genetically modified) trees is closer than it has ever been. This report examines the current global reality of GE trees. It documents the status of GE tree development around the world, in order to identify where the risk of GE tree release is most immediate. It also outlines some of the risks and discusses some of the most prominent proposed uses. Due to changes in national regulations, this report may be the last opportunity to get a snapshot of GE tree field testing around the world.
Click here to read the report in English, Portuguese or Spanish.
NEW PUBLICATION
Frankenstein Trees (2023): Genetically Engineered Trees Threaten Indigenous Peoples, Forests, Human Health and Mother Earth
Indigenous Peoples of the world have struggled to stop genetically engineered corn. Now we must stop genetically engineered trees!
Click here to read the publication in English, Portuguese or Spanish.
NEW BULLETIN
International Bulletin #1 (October 2023)
The global release of genetically engineered (GE or genetically modified) trees is closer than it has ever been. This advancement is a significant concern because the release of GE trees would pose serious threats to forests and other ecosystems, as well as to many local communities and Indigenous peoples. The environmental impacts could be irreversible. This International Bulletin (October 2023) provides critical updates on GE tree development around the world and serves as an update to our 2022 report “The Global Status of Genetically Engineered Tree Development: A Growing Threat“.
NEWSLETTER (October 2023)
This newsletter from the Campaign to STOP GE Trees provides updates and actions to stop the release of GE trees around the world. Genetically engineered (GE, or genetically modified) trees pose serious environmental risks. While very few GE trees have been approved for commercial release globally, the regulatory landscape is changing quickly and research on GE trees continues. Now is the time to act to stop genetically engineered trees before they alter forest ecosystems permanently and irreversibly impact indigenous communities globally.
The first two newsletters can be read here:
Featured Publications
Resource Hub
We’ve compiled an international list of resources. While not complete and always growing, this is a great place to start learning about GE trees and the related issues of tree plantations and biofuels. (GE trees are also known as GMO trees, transgenic trees, genetically modified trees or GM trees.)
2023
New Study:
New Reports:
- Friends of the Earth Europe: The Last Agricultural Frontier – the increase of deforestation in less-protected areas of Mercosur (2023)
- Genewatch: GM Trees. Can We? Should We? (2023)
- World Rainforest Movement: What you need to know about Suzano Papel e Celulose (2023)
New Video:
- Indigenous Environmental Network (IEN): Statement Against GE Trees and False Solutions at UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (2023)
Resources by Organizations:
Global Justice Ecology Project (GJEP)
- Website Resources:
- Fact Sheets:
- Reports:
- Briefing:
Biofuel Watch
Canadian Biotechnology Action Network (CBAN)
- GM Contamination in Canada: The failure to contain living modified organisms – Incidents and impacts
- Genome Editing in Food and Farming: Risks and Unexpected Consequences
Center for Food Safety resources on GE trees (GMO trees)
- General section on GE Trees
- 2013 Report, Genetically Engineered Trees: The New Frontier of Biotechnology
EcoNexus resources on the science of GE trees (GMO trees)
- Steinbrecher, Ricarda and Lorch, Antje. Genetically Engineered Trees & Risk Assessment (2008). Published by the Federation of German Scientists. Presented at CBD COP9 negotiations on GE trees.
- Other publications on the EcoNexus website
Environmental Paper Network
- Report: Scorching the Earth (2022, 74 pages)
Global Forest Coalition
World Rainforest Movement
- Website Sections:
- Struggles against Tree Monocultures (2023)
- Tree Plantations (overview) (2023)
- GE Trees (2023)
- Reports:
Additional Resources
Additional Resources on GE Trees:
Industry Materials:
Additional Resources on Biofuels:
- Biomass Basics from Biofuelwatch, 2018
- Feb 9, 2015 Letter to US EPA from scientists on the dangers of wood-based electricity
- CARBON BRIEF – Report: Subsidize Should End for Many Types of Biomass