- The burgeoning population witnessed around the globe establishes the fact that humanity will sustain its upward-growing graph irrespective of the challenges wrought by the modern day. Yes, technology-driven cutting-edge solutions have revolutionized how we lead our lives on the back of unimaginably innovative amenities hitherto considered as dreams. The resultant outcome of some of the most ambitious developments in the field of medicine also means the life expectancy of humans has increased several notches compared to a couple of decades back. Most hearteningly, the developments are only going to head northwards with newer research leading to the unearthing of even more implementable answers to extend our lives on Mother Earth.
PC: Indian Retailer
- The moot point to ponder over here is whether such inventions have indeed made the ever-increasing population feel adequate vis-à-vis sharing of essential resources including other living beings apart from humans. Let’s look at the emerging scenario on this front, especially food including meat production. As reported recently, the meat production on the scale humans demand is unsustainable in its present form. Thankfully, technology has a solution that must be explored by global leadership with the right intent. As you are aware, the global food system is unsustainable. Most disconcertingly, it is reported by experts in the field that food production commensurate with the growing population is a major threat to 86% of species.
- Why? Simply because too much land is going into growing food – devouring wetlands, ending biodiversity, and ruining marine ecosystems. The Living Planet index says an estimated 30-40% of all food produced is never eaten. This is not only a supreme waste of monumental proportions when a significant population from some of the poorest countries is battling to get decent enough food to lead a dignified life but also defeats the very purpose of ensuring the benefits of modern technology reach out to the last human standing. Bycatch (the extra marine life caught that’s not consumed) results in 9mn tonnes of dead sea life. You read it right. Over 10% of all ocean catches are discarded. It’s a no-brainer that unsustainable food systems are ultimately self-harming.
PC: Environmental News
- So, what’s the road to staple diets that aren’t grievously detrimental to the planet? India suffers from the twin nutrition crises – obesity and malnutrition. If at one end of the economic spectrum food is even a fad, at the other end obtaining enough food can be a struggle. Focus on millets over two decades has got a fillip with govt intervention. The traditional coarse grain is now the choice of the well-heeled too. Where India falters is in its focus on protein. Too much breath is spent on trying to control what form that protein takes – a matter with religious and cultural overtones and undercurrents. Yes, it’s always about Veg & Non-Veg consumption. GOI must champion investment in R&D for lab meat and plant-based meat to supplement most meat eaters.
