Selection 28 Food Scarcity: An Environmental Wakeup Call
Lester Brown
Lester Brown’s “Food Scarcity: An Environmental Wakeup Call” is about how environmental degradation along with an increasing world population is putting stress on the food system causing food scarcity. Brown writes that “the environmental deterioration of the last few decades cannot continue indefinitely without eventually affecting the world economy” (141). “The food system is likely to be the sector through which environmental deterioration eventually translates into economic decline (142). Brown suggests that an increase in the price of grain will be the first sign that we need an environmental wakeup call (142). Already there are over 800 million starving people in the world, a rise in the price of grain could add millions more (142). Therefore environmental degradation is a serious problem especially when you consider how many people could be affected by a rise in grain prices. Brown examines how “both the area of cropland and the amount of irrigation water per person are shrinking, threatening to drop below the amount needed to provide minimal levels of food security (142). Throughout time Brown looks at how irrigation, terracing, drainage, fallowing, and reclaiming land from the sea have been used to increase the amount of farmland available (142). As humans continue to both damage and change the landscape of Earth, amounts of available farmland has been drastically reduced. In addition “the world’s farmers are also facing water scarcity” (143). “Food Scarcity: An Environmental Wakeup Call” looks at how there is a constant fight between the city and the countryside over water which the city most often wins (142). “The bottom line is that the world’s farmers face a steady shrinkage in both grainland and irrigation water per person” (143). This is what ultimately leads to a food scarcity problem and will lead to the increase of what little food is left on Earth. As the Earth moves from a surplus to a scarcity situation, it is hoped that “food scarcity may provide the environmental wakeup call the world has long needed” (143). Brown examines two ways that the food scarcity problem can be solved which are by “stabilizing population and climate” (143). Additionally he writes “an environmentally sustainable economy depends on reversing deforestation, arresting the loss of plant and animal species, and stabilizing fisheries, aquifers, and soils. (144). Even though this seems like a lot of work just to avoid a food scarcity, it will benefit the entire planet as a whole. Most importantly to protect our food situation and to prevent a scarcity, we need to protect the land upon which our food is grown on. Cropland protection is integral to avoiding a food scarcity, Japan serves as a model country because it have strived to protect its rice fields at all cost (144). Another important step Brown writes about is preserving topsoil and reducing wind and water erosion (144). Lastly Brown looks at how Earth has even destroyed two out of its three food back up plans. “Until recently, the world has three reserves it could call on in the event of a poor harvest- cropland idled under farm programs, surplus stocks of grain in storage, and about the one-third of the world grain harvest that is fed to livestock, poultry, and fish” (144). Now sadly only the last option is available, thus the need to protect our environment in order to avoid a food scarcity is crucial. Ultimately Brown pushes that creating a more sustainable environment will help avoid a devastating food scarcity.
Brown, Lester. Food Scarcity: An Environmental Wakeup Call. Ed. Thomas Easton, New York: McGraw Hill Higher Education, 2009.
Selection 29 Environmental, Energetic, and Economic Comparisons of Organic and Conventional Farming Systems
David Pimentel et al.
“Environmental, Energetic, and Economic Comparisons of Organic and Conventional Farming Systems” looks at the benefits of organic farming compared to conventional farming. David Pimentel et al write that “heavy agricultural reliance on synthetic chemical fertilizers and pesticides is having serious impacts on public heath and the environment” (146). Pimentel et al also examine how conventional farming has impacted the environmental and the health and wellbeing of humans. Pimentel uses the examples of the “dead zone” in the Gulf of Mexico and the destruction of large fisheries as prime examples on how conventional farming in harming the environment. Pimentel also looks at how “modern agricultural practices can also contribute to the erosion of soil” (146). “Environmental, Energetic, and Economic Comparisons of Organic and Conventional Farming Systems” promote organic farming and look at its benefits. Pimentel et al write that “the aim of organic agriculture is to augment ecological processes that foster plant nutrition yet conserve soil and water resources” (147). It must be noted that organic farming is growing in popularity and the sale of organic food has grown to over 7 billion dollars annually (Pimentel et al 147). Much information about organic farming has come from the Rodale Institute Farming Systems Trial which compares “organic and conventional grain-based farming system” (147). From 1981 until 2002, the FST has looked at conventional cropping, organic animal-based cropping, and organic legume-based cropping (Pimentel et al. 147). The findings of the studies state that “the crop yields and economics or organic systems, compared with conventional systems, appear to vary based on the crops, regions, and technologies employed in the studies (Pimentel et al. 148). Pimentel et al add that “the environmental benefits attributable to reduced chemical inputs, less soil erosion, water conservation, and improved soil organic matter and biodiversity were consistently greater in the organic systems than in the conventional systems (148). The previous statement supports the notion that Pimentel et al. are believers that the benefits of organic farming outweigh the benefits of traditional farming. Pimentel then discusses the advantages of soil organic matter and biodiversity; he states that “soil organic matter provides the base for productive organic farming and sustainable agriculture (148). It must be states that “soil organic matter is an important source of nutrients and can help increase biodiversity, which provides vital ecological services (Pinmentel et al. 149). On the flip side negative aspects of organic farming are also looked at, Pinmentel et al. inform readers that nitrogen deficiency and weed competition can become problems. (150) Pinmentel tries to write of solutions to the problems associated with organic farming. He even goes one step further and writes of organic technologies that could benefit traditional farming practices which further help to promote organic farming’s cause. Furthermore “Environmental, Energetic, and Economic Comparisons of Organic and Conventional Farming Systems” encourages the continued expansion and growth of the organic farming industry.
David Pimentel et al. Environmental, Energetic and Economic Comparisons of Organic and Conventional Farming Systems. Ed. Thomas Easton: McGraw Hill Higher Education, 2009.
Selection 27 The Agricultural Crisis as a Crisis of Culture
Wendell Berry
“The Agricultural Crisis as a Crisis of Culture” by Wendell Berry examines the “cultural dimensions of sustainable agriculture” (137). Berry looks at the changes between farming in the past and the farms of the present and future. Farms of the past were “farmed by families who lived not only upon them, but within and from them (Berry 137). These former farms were very diverse producing many different products which promoted a market for selling surplus farm products (137). Berry admits that these farms were not perfect but suggests they are far superior to the farms of the present and the future (137). Modern farms are become much automated, they continue to be diverse but not as diverse as in the past (Berry 138). Instead of the typical family farms, “speculators and professional people from the cities” tend to own them (138). Gone is the dependence of farm families on their own produce and gone are local markets for surplus products (Berry 138). Berry suggests that “agriculture has shifted its emphasis, and its interest, from quality to quantity” (138). Berry’s thesis stands that “food is a cultural product; it cannot be produced by technology alone” (138). Therefore Berry suggests that by changing the culture and dynamic of the farm, that we are thus destroying agriculture. Additionally Barry writes that “a healthy farm culture can be based only upon familiarity and can grow only among a people soundly established upon the land; it nourishes and safeguards a human intelligence of the earth that no amount of technology can satisfactorily replace” (139). Throughout “The Agricultural Crisis as a Crisis of Culture” there is a suggestion that farming of the past was better than farming of the present and the future. “The best farming requires a farmer- a husbandman, a nurturer- not a technician or businessman” writes Barry thus suggesting that a back to the basics approach to farming would be more beneficial (139). “A good farmer, on the other hand, is a cultural product,” one that cannot be manipulated or replaced by city slickers with large cheque books. Berry ends “The Agricultural Crisis as a Crisis of Culture” by writing that “we can have agriculture only within nature, and culture only within agriculture” (140). Ultimately as we change agriculture, we are essentially changing the culture of man kind.
Berry, Wendell. The Agricultural Crisis as a Crisis of Culture. Ed. Thomas Easton: McGraw Hill Higher Education, 2009
Selection 41 Women’s Indigenous Knowledge and Biodiversity Conservation
Vandana Shiva
Vandana Shiva’s “Women’s Indigenous Knowledge and Biodiversity Conservation” helps to promote the role of women in biodiversity. Shiva begins by looking at the separate spheres of men and women. She writes that “the patriarchal world view sees man as the measure of all value, with no space for diversity, only for hierarchy” while woman are “treated as unequal and inferior” (Shiva 209). To sum up her argument, Shiva writes that “the marginalization of women and the destruction of biodiversity go hand in hand” (209). “Diversity is the principle of women’s work and knowledge” writes Shiva as she implies that “diversity is a women’s expertise” (210). In “Women’s Indigenous Knowledge and Biodiversity Conservation” Shiva shows how women have mainly had the role of preserving biodiversity (211). The example used discusses women helping to save biodiversity in India by saving seeds, “when women conserve seed, they conserve diversity and therefore conserve balance and harmony writes Shiva (211). Another example in “Women’s Indigenous Knowledge and Biodiversity Conservation” examines the connection between women and men in a business like environment and biodiversity. Shiva writes that “women produce through biodiversity, whereas corporate scientists produce through uniformity” (211). Throughout “Women’s Indigenous Knowledge and Biodiversity Conservation” Shiva goes above and beyond to educate and inform about how biodiversity is integral to societies survival. Genetic engineering is pondered by Shiva, she writes that it is being offered as a “green technology worldwide” (212). Shiva makes her stance on genetic engineering very clear by writing that “genetic engineering is neither natural nor safe” (212). She backs up her beliefs with a well constructed argument about how genetic engineering is a dangerous and harmful practice using support and information from the “Food and Drug Administration of the US” (212). All in all Shiva puts a different spin on biodiversity by including the discussion of women into her arguments. “Women’s Indigenous Knowledge and Biodiversity Conservation” proves that the information of women is “central to the preservation of biodiversity” (Shiva 209).
Shiva, Vandana. Women’s Indigenous Knowledge and Biodiversity Conservation. McGraw: Hill Higher Education, 2009.
Blog Reflections
List your food intake over the last 48 hours.
What foods do you eat regularly?
What environmental concerns relate to your diet?
2 apples
1 grapefruit
2 side salads
1 boneless skinless chicken breast
1 piece of whole wheat bread
2 cups of skim milk
1 serving of oatmeal crisp cereal
1 serving of chedar cheese
8 wholegrain crackers
2 tbsp of peanut butter
1 aero chocolate bar
1 tim hortons coffee
1 bottle of cranberry juice
a lot of water
On a regular basis I try to follow Canada's food guide so typically my diet consists of lots of fresh veggies and fruits, wholegrains, lean proteins, and healthy dairy products. I try to eat as much local produce in the summer as possible but find that to be a difficult task in the more colder months when local produce isn't as readily available. I'm pretty flexible on what I eat and enjoy trying new things. Additionally coffee and chocolate usually find a way into my diet on a regular basis.
In terms of environmental concerns and foods, I question all the chemicals used especially in the growing process of fresh foods. Being rasied on a farm, I've seen first hand all the chemicals that make their way onto the food we eat. I understand why the chemicals are used and ultimately see how it benefits the farmer but Im not so sure it benefits the consumer. Applying chemicals to kill weeds and to kill or displace bugs or insects doesn't seem like good environmental ethics. I think as more and more people begin to question their food especially in terms of environmental concerns, that organic farming will continue to rise in popularity. Organic farming helps farming to become more sustainable, healthy, and more eco friendly.
Consider the evidence of Affluenza around you.
Do you see it in yourself, your friends, family or North American society?
Can you take action to combat affluenza?
Affluenza is in society everywhere. Its impossible to deny Affluenza affects our society. You can see Affluenza by looking at everyday clothes, in vehicles including exotic sports cars and suvs, in over the top houses. In a sense affluenza drives society. People continue to try to improve their wellbeing and status, essentially just trying to keep up.
I think Affluenza is found in everyone to some sort. I will agree that affluenza plagues me. Its a very rare person that doesn't crave or want wealth. I know for myself, I think about big paycheques, expensive cars, and the glamorous lifestyle associated with wealth on a fairly regular basis. Everyone strives to succeed, and in todays society we determine success mainly by wealth. Affluenza is a predominantly clear idea in North American society. Just by looking at the size of new houses, consumer goods like hummers and iphones, and the effect Hollywood has on the world it is evident how important a role affluenza plays.
To combat affluenza, we have to examine our lives as a whole. By adding meaning and critically questioning our actions we can fight off affluenza. Thinking about what is really important such as friends, family, and happiness can help to fight off affluenza. Additionally organized days where we buy nothing helps to combat affluenza at the root of the problem.
Blog Activities
Carolyn Steel: How food shapes our cities:
http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/carolyn_steel_how_food_shapes_our_cities.html
Carolyn Steel's discussion on "How Food Shapes Our Cities" helps to connect both the country and the city together. Steel begins her talk about how we take our food for granted and how humans don't value it. Steel evidence shows that 1/2 of food in the United States gets thrown out wastefully. Most notably Steel looks at the journey of food, she writes that it has to be "produced, transported, bought/sold, cooked, eaten, and disposed of." Therefore food goes through many processes and isn't simple by any means. Steel looks at how food and urbanism are continuing to increase and how they go hand in hand. "How Food Shapes Our Cities" also examines how our world can have 1 billion obese people but also have 1 billion starving people too. One of the main focus' of Steel is to examine how agriculture and urbanism expanded at the same time together over 10 000 years ago. Steel looks to the emergence of grain as a unifying force in this growth. Furthermore Steel looks at how food has come to cities through food miles, and looks at the role of markets and transportation. One of the Steel's most notable remarks is about how our food is essentially distancing us from nature, she uses box stores to suggest that this is happening in cities throughout the world. Lastly Steel encourages the world to become a sitopia which means food place and thus encouraging the world to become more shaped by food. "How Food Shapes Our Cities" encourages humans to celebrate and to enjoy their food. Steel suggests that small pockets already celebrate and enjoy their food, now she implies that it is crucial to unite all the small pockets together. To end "How Food Shapes Our Cities" Steel states that " if the city looks after the country, the country will look after the city" implying that if we take care of our Earth we will be alright after all.
Additional Blog Information
Photography by Rhett A. Butler
http://news.mongabay.com/2009/0831-hance_neolithic_climate.html
Environmental Science University Professor William Ruddiman talks about his theory that "destructive faming practices of early civilization may have alterered climate long before the industrial era." His evidence comes from the idea that rice paddies "could have realeased large amounts of methane into the atmosphere." Ruddiman has also looked at the impacts of the buring of forests, for example it could have "lead to a positive feedback mechanism, since the carbon released by the forests could have rasied ocean temperatures." Ultimately Ruddiman raises interesting questions about who is to blame for the destruction of our Earth.
As I stumbled across rainforest deforestation photographs, my jaw literally dropped. The devastation is astonishing and so widespread. All photographs are property of Rhett A. Butler.
Perhaps the above is one of the most devastating pictures. The above pictures make one question how clear cutting and slash and burn agriculture can be justified. The destruction of forests not only scars the landscapes but has huge effects on the environment.
On a lighter note. The 20th annual Environmental Media Wards were held last week. The awards purpose is to "raise environmental awareness through entertainment." The awards featured plenty of famous guests who are doing their part to improve the environment. On a side note, the usual red carpet was turned into a green carpet for the event.
Even environmentalist Ed Begley Jr walked the "green" carpet!
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