Todd: Hey Akane, I was reading in the paper that China is doing research on genetically modified foods and is considering it. The United States is for using genetically modified foods but Europe is against it. So you're from Canada, what do you think?

Akane: Well, I think it's a great idea to have genetically modified foods.

Todd: Why?

Akane: Well, I think that especially for countries like China research shows that the people in China, the quality of their life is going to be of the level of the people in America within the next thirty years. And if this world is going to support that kind of population, we definitely need more resources in order to make food to support the population.

Todd: Do you worry though that maybe there haven't been enough tests on genetically modified foods, that there might be side effects that could lead to cancer or could maybe ruin the natural life cycle of the plants?

Akane: Definitely, I think there is lots of reasons to be concerned and that's why the research has to be taken carefully and slowly and there has to be laws and procedures in place so that the research is controlled and that foods are tested before people can use them.

Todd: So, you're saying that they should do research but it's OK to go ahead and try to use it now?

Akane: Well, if there is reason to think that it is safe after many tests then I think we should start using it for the future.

Todd: I mean, I can understand why people would want to use genetically modified foods because in terms of drought or insects eating the plants or feeding really impoverished areas like Africa and parts of Asia. It's useful but we really don't know I mean, aren't you a little bit worried that if you rush it you don't give enough time for the tests you know, if it's really harmful to the environment or to people.

Akane: For sure, so I don't think we should rush it but at the same time I don't think we should completely stop the research either because the fact is the population is growing and these people are going to have to eat food so if genetically modified foods can help people to eat and survive and for the human population to survive then we're going to have to continue with the research.

Todd: That's a pretty solid argument. I pretty much agree with you on that.

Akane: Thanks.

Todd: OK. Thanks, Akane.