We are becoming increasingly aware of the ills that are happening to the environment. The environment, according to many, is being destroyed by human activities. Some other would content that the environment is not really changing, or at least not changing in a way that is likely to harm humans. Yet some would say that a shift in the climate is happening, but that is due to natural activities, not due to the activities of humans. There are scientists on all sides of the debate. However, the general contention on the matter by the authorities such as the United Nations Environment Program is that the environment is on the brink of a collapse and we need to act immediately. A shift in climate is being felt in many corners of the earth. A large chunk of Arctic ice has melted away with unforeseen rapidity in the last decade. So, it would not be too wrong to say that we are seeing enough indicators to be alarmed about climate change.

If we are to effectively counter climate change, we have to enter the debate whether climate change is manmade or not, in other words, whether human actions can stop the environment from becoming hostile to humans and other species that humans are dependent on for survival. If we cannot do that, then probably the last option remains a Noah's ark. Many people are reacting to this environment issue and there is diversity in their reaction. There is a growing discontent against genetically modified crops, so many people are seeking to preserve seeds heirloom. Some are creating a seed vault in some survival seed bank to preserve those seeds. So now we are also seeing a new thing called seed banks, which were not there earlier and their number is indeed growing. If we are to understand the various reactions to climate change and environmental degradation, then we should first look at these issues. Why are people becoming antagonized to genetically modified food? Why are people now condemning excessive industrialization?

Why is the lobby for ‘going back to nature' stronger now than before? Why are we seeing survival seed bank now and not before when the growth of genetically modified crops started? The answer to the last question is that farmers have experienced genetically modified crops for a while and now they have some knowledge as to how harmful it can be. Usually, the farming of genetically modified crops requires extensive control over the environment. A genetically modified crop can be exceptionally weak in the face of most pests, so it requires a lot of pesticides. This pesticide kills the organisms living in the soil, reducing the organic content of the soil, making it lack in fertility. Also, such crops require tons of fertilizers as well. This is obvious because over time the fertility of the land reduces. However, that is not the only reason. Genetically modified crops in general require more fertilizers because usually the natural fertility of the ground is not enough for the crops to grow. There are also other aspects.

It requires a great amount of control over the water supplied to the field. So extensive irrigation is necessary and it is no secret that irrigation has a devastating effect on the biodiversity of a region. Along with these environmental factors is added the fact that certain health issues are now being linked with the use of genetically modified crops. This gives rise to the popularity of seeds heirloom and seed banks. With the help of a seed vault, now it is possible to create your own stock of GMO-free varieties.