Peer Review (How population effects food shortages)

Paul R. Ehrlich, Anne H. Ehrlich and Gretchen C. Daily
Population and Development Review, Vol. 19, No. 1 (Mar., 1993), pp. 1-32
(article consists of 32 pages)
Published by: Population Council
Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/2938383

In this article it quotes, "Whether the expansion of food production can keep pace with the population growth over the long term, remains the crux of the sustainability debate precipitated by Malthus almost two centuries ago." To me, I look at this quote and question whether there will be enough food to sustain the population. At the rate we're going now, we're constantly wasting perfectly good food because it doesn't have a negative affect on our lives (yet). We have to put into perspective how much food we actually need for survival rather than just want what we want when we want it. We can either save food for the next person who needs it or save it for later. Instead of focusing on the now, we need to look forward and stop waiting for wake-up calls. (It's difficult but it's not impossible)!

AJ Mc Michael. "Global Environmental Change and Human Population Health: A Conceptual and Scientific Challenge for Epidemiology,." Print.

When reading through this article, a statement that stuck with me because of all the various factors that affect population through health risks was this: "The spectrum of health-endangering environmental problems has become wider, and potentially much more serious, than was evident two decades ago. It includes greenhouse-related climate change, thinning of stratospheric ozone, land degradation and topsoil loss, depletion of groundwater, reduction in genetic and ecosystem diversity and acidification of waterways and soils." Population is constantly affected by one of these things, whether it's playing a role at a different point in time around the world or simply growing into a bigger problem. Throughout the course of time, these problems trace back to how much the earth can hold also known as the earth's carrying capacity. It's also stated by the UN demographers that by 2030 we will reach 9 billion people, moving up to 11-12 billion in the following century. Out of this major increase, 90% of it will occur in poor third world countries where life is hard enough to sustain. With these statistics in mind, it seems natural that we'd transform some of our selfish ways, but like I said before unless it affects our lives personally major change won't take place.

Nathan Lewis-"What does this mean for us and our planet?”

When it comes to the Lewis' lecture, he goes into detail about subjects concerning climate change. He brings up various percentages that have to do with how energy is measured and how it's used. (Where did he get these percentages)? It struck me that he wanted to switch to coal usage as much as he did. I think that coal is a inexpensive reliable source, but if we're so worried about climate change, then we shouldn't switch to it. I'd rather pay more for energy and live in a "clean" climate, rather than pay less and slowly die off.

My Game Plan

I plan to speak about the effects climate change has on food and water shortages as well as the ways we can help this epidemic from spreading further than it already has. My partner and I will focus on North America and how far we've gone downhill. The farming industry as well as water usage will be our main topics that will be incorporated into our movie.

In my head, I have it that we should do a commercial type setting where we show the causes and effects of the choices we make as humans. We will do this by warning our audience that it is not safe for them to be living their daily lives as if it's here forever.

The Effects of Climate Change on Food production

"Climate Changes and Food Supply." Center for International Earth Science Information Network. Web. 11 Feb. 2010. .

Depending on how balanced the climate conditions are, that can have severe impact on the production of food. Because of the uncertainties of the climate, cropland reductions vary from 10 to 50 percent. According to this article and the opinions of David Pimentel, global warming could alter the production of rice, wheat, corn, soybeans, and potatoes. This change will cause regional variations in North America because we are the main food grower. By 2030 it is predicted that atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations will double pre-industrial concentrations while other greenhouse gases will increase substantially, and the temperatures in North America will rise two degrees. The farming industry will not do as well because agricultural production will be affected by both the severity and pace of climate change. If the change was slow and not as rapid, then crops wouldn't suffer as much as they would with such uncontrollable climate affects. Carbon dioxide as well as ultraviolet radiation play a major part in the livelihood of crops. Through the release of chlorofluorocarbons, it has depleted a good amount of the o-zone layer, making it easier for plants to catch various diseases. Also, with increased carbon dioxide levels, some plants do not benefit well from this while very few can.

"Report outlines climate change effects on US food production." Food Ingredients - Yeast, Sweeteners, Food fibers, Flavors. Web. 11 Feb. 2010. .

According to the U.S Global Change Research Program, it stated that, “Climate change has had an impact on American farmers, ranchers, rural land owners, and foresters, and will continue to do so, through its influence on production, distribution, and yields.” Which leaves the reader wondering, so what? Well, if you truly care about living, these things are only here to help not hinder. CO2 levels are rising, why? Because of us and the different types of gases we let out into our atmosphere. The crops that are grown will eventually fail, because their existence relies on our choices.

"Toll Of Climate Change On World Food Supply Could Be Worse Than Thought." Science Daily: News & Articles in Science, Health, Environment & Technology. Web. 11 Feb. 2010. .

According to this cite, before 2100 grain will have to double to 4 billion tons a year. Between now and mid-century, higher temperatures in northerly latitudes will probably expand lands that are available for farming. But even with these positive gains, they will most likely be canceled due to agricultural declines in the tropics. Higher temperatures can also cause outbreaks of weeds and pests as well as affect the way a plant looks. Because of temperature differences, pests that are very active during the winter are expected to improve making them able to attack the spring crops and once again causing major food shortage.


Incorporating this information into my senior project:
I plan to speak about the effects climate change has on food and ways we can help this epidemic from spreading further.