[PCA] Can We Feed the World and Sustain the Planet?

[Patricia_DeAngelis at fws.gov]

Can We Feed the World and Sustain the Planet?
A five-step global plan could double food production by 2050 while greatly 
reducing environmental damage
By Jonathan A. Foley  | October 12, 2011 

Right now about one billion people suffer from chronic hunger. the world?s 
farmers grow enough food to feed them, but it is not properly distributed 
and, even if it were, many cannot afford it, because prices are 
escalating.
But another challenge looms.
By 2050 the world?s population will increase by two billion or three 
billion, which will likely double the demand for food, according to 
several studies. Demand will also rise because many more people will have 
higher incomes, which means they will eat more, especially meat. 
Increasing use of cropland for biofuels will put additional demands on our 
farms. So even if we solve today?s problems of poverty and access?a 
daunting task?we will also have to produce twice as much to guarantee 
adequate supply worldwide.

Article Preview at:
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=can-we-feed-the-world


Patricia S. De Angelis, Ph.D.
Botanist, Division of Scientific Authority-US Fish & Wildlife Service
Chair, Medicinal Plant Working Group-Plant Conservation Alliance
4401 N. Fairfax Dr., Suite 110
Arlington, VA  22203
703-358-1708 x1753
FAX: 703-358-2276

Promoting sustainable use and conservation of our native medicinal plants.
<www.nps.gov/plants/medicinal>
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