More than 150 young scientists have appealed to the Green Party to back an overhaul of gene-editing laws, which they argue would help fight climate change. The party has signalled no intention of changing its stance over the contentious issue. In New Zealand, strict regulations under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act have tightly controlled the use of gene engineering and genetically modified organisms since 2003. The group Emerging Scientists for Climate Action believe that the regulations are preventing green technologies from being created that could help the country. GE-free advocates are opposed to any softening of the HSNO Act, as they, like the Green Party are also concerned that relaxing our laws could threaten New Zealand's position in global markets.

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