英语访谈对话 485 The GM debate

 　　Todd: Hey, Akane, I was reading in the paper that China is doing research on genetically¹ modified² foods and is considering it. The United States is for using genetically modified foods, (I see) but Europe is against it. (Oh, right) 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 definitely³ need more resources in order to make food to support the population.

　　Todd: Do you worry more 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 naturally life cycle of the plants?

　　Akane: Uh, 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 procedures⁴ 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, then I think we should start using it for the future.

　　Todd: Mm, I mean, I can understand why people would want to use genetically modified foods because in terms of drought⁵ or insects eating the plants or feeding really impoverished⁶ areas like Africa and parts of Asia (Right) 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 the 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.

1 genetically   

adv.遗传上

参考例句：

• All the bees in the colony are genetically related. 同一群体的蜜蜂都有亲缘关系。
• Genetically modified foods have already arrived on American dinner tables. 经基因改造加工过的食物已端上了美国人的餐桌。 来自英汉非文学 - 生命科学 - 基因与食物

2 modified   

adj.改良的，改进的，修正的vt.修饰v.修改，更改( modify的过去式和过去分词 )；改变；修饰；缓和

参考例句：

• The software we use has been modified for us. 我们使用的软件已按我们的需要作过修改。
• The heating system has recently been modified to make it more efficient. 暖气设备最近已进行了改造，使其效率得到提高。 来自《简明英汉词典》

3 definitely   

adv.一定地，肯定地；明确地，确切地

参考例句：

• The team will definitely lose if he doesn't play.如果他不参加比赛，这个队肯定会输。
• I shall definitely be home before six o'clock.6点以前，我一定回家。

4 procedures   

程序； 手续； 步骤； 常规； 程序( procedure的名词复数 )； 手续； [计算机]过程； （为解决一个特殊问题而专门设计的）文字程序

参考例句：

• procedures that must be followed to ensure full compliance with the law 为确保严格遵守法律所必须遵行的程序
• You need to become fully conversant with the company's procedures. 你得对公司的程序了如指掌。

5 drought   

n.旱灾，干旱，久旱

参考例句：

• The plants are growing in again,despite the drought.尽管干旱，植物又长出来了。
• The ground is as hard as stone after the drought.长期干旱后土地硬得就像石头一样。

6 impoverished   

adj.穷困的，无力的，用尽了的v.使（某人）贫穷( impoverish的过去式和过去分词 )；使（某物）贫瘠或恶化

参考例句：

• the impoverished areas of the city 这个城市的贫民区
• They were impoverished by a prolonged spell of unemployment. 他们因长期失业而一贫如洗。 来自《简明英汉词典》