"Up to 100 million people will not have enough to eat in the coming months": This threat reads loud and clear in the news headlines. What effect do you think the food crisis will have and what can you do to help make the situation better?
I think starvation is a symptom of the income and resource inequality that exists in our world. Of course droughts, desertification and other environmental issues are decreasing harvests and taking a negative toll on subsistence farmers. However, there are plenty of MEDCs that do not have many natural resources and little agricultural activity. As long as such a small percentage of the world is controlling almost all of the resources, the food crisis will devestate many people in LDCs. How can anyone expect that so many people will be able to survive with such little control of resources (many of which are in their own nations) and meagre incomes. In my opinion, the best way to help alleviate the situation is for investment in training for sustainable farming practices, as well as food aid (for immediate help). As for how to solve the underlying problem of income inequality... I'm still thinking about it. :)
I think a big part of the food crisis, and the pending global resource drout is overconsumption, or in simpler terms: greed. Not pointing any fingers, but facts are that we here in North America have our fair share of indulgences. Well to be quite honest, an unfair share (more like our's and 3/4's of Asia's share of indulgences.) And if we continue on in our wasteful, self-serving way, pretty soon the once commonly publicised fact, that there is enough food in the world to share, will become less of a call to action as a distant memory to rue as the earth slowly shrivels up with hunger. Harsh words for a harsh reality.
This is not to say that the fault lies entirely with us, and overconsumption, there is a lot to be attributed to global warming, amongst other things, but rather than waste time pinpointing who or what is to blame, action plans need to be made and followed through on. The current rise in recycling and the use of the Green Bin for example could really use all of the support we can give. But it is hard for some people to break their rotten habits, and so the change must essentially rise from none other than us; the youth. Consider that the next time you get the munchies. Not saying that your culpable for eating a bag of chips, just giving you a little food for thought- pardon the pun ;)
Submitted by ashleyann123 on Sun, 04/26/2009 - 15:19.
I completely agree with your analysis. Like you said, it's hard to break old habits, and it's especially hard for, lets be honest, the senior generations to change, because they have grow up on those routines, and have began teaching us, the youth, to follow in those footsteps. It is easy to practice something familiar rather than change into something, although benificial for the future, that is new, and can be overwellming to some. The green box that has been introduce to our communities is a good step in the right direction,but it isn't growing fast enough. I know for a fact that there are no green boxes in my neighbourhood like I would like to see, and as far as I know, they have only been introduced in a few areas.
Like this green box, change is a necessity for our growing world, and it needs to start withus, like you stated aswell. CHANGE IS GOOD!! Everyone has to give it a chance to break those habits.
Food Crisis
I think starvation is a symptom of the income and resource inequality that exists in our world. Of course droughts, desertification and other environmental issues are decreasing harvests and taking a negative toll on subsistence farmers. However, there are plenty of MEDCs that do not have many natural resources and little agricultural activity. As long as such a small percentage of the world is controlling almost all of the resources, the food crisis will devestate many people in LDCs. How can anyone expect that so many people will be able to survive with such little control of resources (many of which are in their own nations) and meagre incomes. In my opinion, the best way to help alleviate the situation is for investment in training for sustainable farming practices, as well as food aid (for immediate help). As for how to solve the underlying problem of income inequality... I'm still thinking about it. :)
The Effects of Overeating
I think a big part of the food crisis, and the pending global resource drout is overconsumption, or in simpler terms: greed. Not pointing any fingers, but facts are that we here in North America have our fair share of indulgences. Well to be quite honest, an unfair share (more like our's and 3/4's of Asia's share of indulgences.) And if we continue on in our wasteful, self-serving way, pretty soon the once commonly publicised fact, that there is enough food in the world to share, will become less of a call to action as a distant memory to rue as the earth slowly shrivels up with hunger. Harsh words for a harsh reality.
This is not to say that the fault lies entirely with us, and overconsumption, there is a lot to be attributed to global warming, amongst other things, but rather than waste time pinpointing who or what is to blame, action plans need to be made and followed through on. The current rise in recycling and the use of the Green Bin for example could really use all of the support we can give. But it is hard for some people to break their rotten habits, and so the change must essentially rise from none other than us; the youth. Consider that the next time you get the munchies. Not saying that your culpable for eating a bag of chips, just giving you a little food for thought- pardon the pun ;)
I completely agree with your
I completely agree with your analysis. Like you said, it's hard to break old habits, and it's especially hard for, lets be honest, the senior generations to change, because they have grow up on those routines, and have began teaching us, the youth, to follow in those footsteps. It is easy to practice something familiar rather than change into something, although benificial for the future, that is new, and can be overwellming to some. The green box that has been introduce to our communities is a good step in the right direction,but it isn't growing fast enough. I know for a fact that there are no green boxes in my neighbourhood like I would like to see, and as far as I know, they have only been introduced in a few areas.
Like this green box, change is a necessity for our growing world, and it needs to start withus, like you stated aswell. CHANGE IS GOOD!! Everyone has to give it a chance to break those habits.