A recent publication in Science magazine argues that continuing population and consumption growth will mean that the global demand for food will increase for at least another 40 years.
The article is authored by an international group of scientists, including Prof Charles Godfray, the acting chair of a new programme on biodiversity that will become part of the 21st Century School as a result of James Martin’s $50 million matched funding offer. (Information about the matched funding results and proposed new research programmes will be announced in March.)
The team of researchers state that growing competition for land, water, and energy, in addition to the overexploitation of fisheries, will affect our ability to produce food, as will the urgent requirement to reduce the impact of the food system on the environment. They describe how the effects of climate change are a further threat, but argue that the world can produce more food and can ensure that it is used more efficiently and equitably.
The article explores the different components of a multifaceted and linked global strategy, which the authors suggest is needed to ensure sustainable and equitable food security.
Related Links and Resources
- Professor Charles Godfray
- Science publication: Food Security - the challenge of feeding 9 billion people