The use of GMOs, particularly in agriculture, has been steadily on the rise since the 1990s (as seen in the graph below). It is safe to assume that the amount will continue to increase as the years go by, however, the debate on the safety of GMOs is very controversial.
A number of sources suggest crops containing scientifically engineered organisms that have foreign genes transferred into their genome, or transgenic crops, are harmful to humans, other animals, and the environment. However, proponent sources are quick to state the opposite.
Agriculture, whether it is organic, subsistence, or intensive, will undoubtedly have some sort of effect on the environment. Therefore, we can assume the use of transgenic crops will have an effect on their respective environments. The main question is whether these effects will be good or bad; however, it is not as simple as good or bad. The effects and risks are determined by a variety of factors, as shown in the chart below. Evidence suggests that depending on how and where transgenic crops are used directly effects how negative or positve their presence will be in the environment.