INVASIVE SPECIES AS WEAPONS
Jason Li
Now that we have seen the destructive effects of invasive species, the prevalence of invasive species even in our area, and the powers of genetic engineering, it is time to ask and answer: Could a genetically engineered invasive species potentially be used as a weapon in warfare? Historically, invasive species are viewed as hated foreign enemies that are persistent pests and are hard to eradicate. So, in the case of having hated foreign enemies, why not use invasive species against them, as a weapon? To answer this question, we will need to define what an invasive species is, explore the harms they have against plants, animals, and humans, delve deeper into why they are so invasive, and finally, we will draw our conclusion about whether invasive species could be used as weapons in warfare, and, if so, how.
To answer our question, we will first need to define an invasive species. As per Executive Order 13112, an invasive species is defined as a species which is non-native (or alien) to the ecosystem under consideration and whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health. Stated simply, an invasive species is any organism- plant, animal, or microbe- which comes from a different place, and harms the environment they invade. Invasive species do not necessarily have to come from different continents, or even different countries. For example, the coyote (Canis latrans) is native to the Southwestern deserts of North America. However, when it was brought to Eastern North America, it quickly started to raid farms and cities, stealing food and killing pets, livestock, and crops. This means that, by definition, invasive species cause harm to the environment around them- but what types of harm would a few plants and animals be able to do anyway?
The most common misunderstanding about invasive species is that the harm they cause is a myth. The threat invasive species pose to our environment is very real. Sure, some invasive species may be less serious than others- but all are able to affect the world around them greatly. Invasive species can generally be divided into 3 main categories: invasive plants, invasive animals, and invasive microbes.
To answer our question, we will first need to define an invasive species. As per Executive Order 13112, an invasive species is defined as a species which is non-native (or alien) to the ecosystem under consideration and whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health. Stated simply, an invasive species is any organism- plant, animal, or microbe- which comes from a different place, and harms the environment they invade. Invasive species do not necessarily have to come from different continents, or even different countries. For example, the coyote (Canis latrans) is native to the Southwestern deserts of North America. However, when it was brought to Eastern North America, it quickly started to raid farms and cities, stealing food and killing pets, livestock, and crops. This means that, by definition, invasive species cause harm to the environment around them- but what types of harm would a few plants and animals be able to do anyway?
The most common misunderstanding about invasive species is that the harm they cause is a myth. The threat invasive species pose to our environment is very real. Sure, some invasive species may be less serious than others- but all are able to affect the world around them greatly. Invasive species can generally be divided into 3 main categories: invasive plants, invasive animals, and invasive microbes.
Essential Question
"Could a genetically engineered invasive species potentially be used in warfare?"