Today’s resources need to sustain a population of 7 billion. How about this for a challenge: In 2050, the world population will be 9 billion, and to meet the demand, worldwide food production will need to increase by 70%. That’s serious food for thought (or thought for food). While it is the subject of extensive debate, engineering efforts to genetically modified crops-when checked by adequate safety standards-are an integral part of the solution.
In the last 100 years, the amount of food produced on each acre of land has increased by as much as 10 times. Chemicals for fertilization, induction of mutations in plants that improve yield and development of innovative agricultural machinery are some of the reasons for this success, but significant measures must be taken.
It is certainly possible that new molecular methods to add or modify genes can protect plants from diseases and pests and increase crop supplies. The world’s best engineers are behind these initiatives.
February 20, 2012 at 3:26 pm
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February 21, 2012 at 4:51 pm
Not enough food – or too many people? Surely a sustainable food policy must include maintaining, if not reducing, the current world population.
February 21, 2012 at 5:11 pm
Sustain through empowerment of women. Birth control = Power = Population Control.
February 21, 2012 at 5:54 pm
Since food is quickly perishable, the timliness of its availability is quite important. Local production and improved means for preservation are important ingredients to an engineered solution. Genetic engineering will begin to have impact in this century by reducing the wasteful effect of disease and spoilage. Continued advancement in pest control will help. Adaptation of advancing science is best achieved when young (and hungry) engineers can innovate in an environment that rewards them both financially and with a sense of helping their fellow man.
February 21, 2012 at 11:07 pm
A lack of cultural understanding. Many cultures depend upon their children to do the farmwork. They do not have social security – their survivability in old age depends upon having an adequate number of children to take care of themselves. Let engineers keep improving crop efficiency.