CHICAGO – Biotechnology research is critical in resolving environmental, international health-care and energy crises as the world shrinks and global interdependence grows, former President Bill Clinton told thousands gathered for the Biotechnology Industry Organization convention Tuesday.
Travel between countries is getting easier, which for the most part is a good thing, but it also increases the possible spread of infectious diseases and hazardous materials, Clinton said.
To curb the problems that arise with globalization, progress will only take place with “science, evidence and argument,” he said. “We need to look at biotechnology and how we can apply it to everyday life.”
Clinton touched on topics including the Human Genome Project, AIDS, ethanol and challenges faced by farmers, and encouraged the men and women on hand from 60 countries to work for the public good.
“You don’t have to be rich to be part of this movement,” he said.
One challenge for American scientists is creating healthier food as childhood obesity balloons into a dangerous epidemic. Overweight children obviously need to exercise and change their diets, but a few manufacturers should also shoulder the blame, Clinton said, pointing to high-fructose corn syrup used in some soft drinks. Many nutritionists link high-fructose corn syrup to diabetes and obesity.
Clinton also emphasized the need for creating alternative forms of energy, which he said would help create jobs in this country, and spoke of the dangers of global warming.
“If we don’t” address global warming, “there will be dust bowls where there are now bread baskets,” he said.
