This edited volume aims to review the environmental impact of transgenic crops. In the editors’ view, this extends, for example, to the discussion of ‘safety of human consumption’ (Chapter 13), and the use of Jatropha curcas as biofuel (Chapter 14). I do not agree with the content. The author group is dominated by colleagues who (with a few exceptions) see no great environmental risk in transgenic crops, and a) seek to convince the reader about the potential and benefits of this technology, often repeating unreferenced statistics and arguments on assumed benefits of this technology (Chapter 2); b) do not discuss problems raised, unless to discredit or downplay them; c) selectively cite their own work and those of similar conviction, thus distorting the existing evidence.

This volume, at best, is a detailed presentation of the views of one group of scientists engaged in the current debate on GM risk assessment, some of which is waged by doubtful means (see Waltz, E. (2009). Battlefield. Nature 461, 27–32). It is by no means a balanced, critical or careful presentation of the arguments. As such, it is a wasted opportunity. The field deserves more.