Lynas

Former Greenpeace activist Mark Lynas ripped up genetically modified (GM) crops in field trials in England and helped start the anti-GM movement back in the mid-1990s. Now the influential science writer says he “could not have chosen a more counterproductive path.”

Lynas publicly apologized for his role in “demonizing” biotechnology Jan. 13 before the Oxford Farming Conference, saying biotechnology (including genetically modified organisms) is “an important technological option that can be used to benefit the environment.” He attributes his change of heart about biotechnology to the same kind of rigorous scientific evidence that has made him a proponent of climate change.

Lynas’ apology has sent shockwaves through the environmental movement.

Lynas will present the public talk “Changing Crops for a Changing Climate: What Can Biotechnology Contribute?” Monday, April 29, at 2 p.m. in Statler Auditorium. It will be followed by a panel discussion with Ron Herring, professor of government; Peter Davies, professor of plant biology; Mary-Howell Martens, owner of Martens Farm and Lakeview Organic Grains in Penn Yan, N.Y.; Margaret Smith, professor of plant breeding and genetics; David Wolfe, professor of horticulture; and Wendy Wolford, associate professor of development sociology.

A question-and-answer period will follow the discussion. The event will be live streamed at http://ip.cals.cornell.edu/live/. Follow the conversation at #ipcals50.

Lynas is the author of several books, including “Six Degrees: Our Future in a Hotter Planet” (2007), for which he won the 2008 Royal Society Prize for science writing, and “The God Species” (2011). He will sign books at the Cornell Store from 10:45-11:15 a.m. April 30 and will meet with several classes.

Lynas’ visit is co-sponsored by International Programs in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (IP-CALS) and the Atkinson Center for a Sustainable Future (ACSF), as part of IP-CALS 50th anniversary celebration and the ACSF Outside Voices Speaker Series.