Two of the most critical issues facing us are the alarming loss of biodiversity and the changes in our climate that our current human activities have brought about. How we produce and consume food is a big part of our impact in both cases, and can be a big part of the solution. Biodiversity, climate change, and needed reforms in our food system as inseparable issues.
Unfortunate truths…
- Our industrial food system has already contributed greatly to climate change and loss of biodiversity; we must reform that food system to help reduce additional climate change and slow extinction rates.
- Climate change has become one of the major ways that humans are reducing biodiversity, and the impacts will likely accelerate greatly.
We must GET SERIOUS NOW!
- Rebuilding local, sustainable food systems can be one of the most positive and enjoyable changes we can make to address climate change, and one that everyone can play a role in.
- Many people, even if they are aware of and accept the science, have a hard time becoming active in helping reduce greenhouse gases. Helping people, including children for the long run, understand our impact on biodiversity and wildlife may be an easier way of leading them to understand our need to address the closely related issue of climate change.
- Building on the growing interest in local and organic food is a wise community-based strategy for combating climate change.
Keys to the Future
- Local food systems that stress sustainability from field to plate can greatly reduce our carbon footprint.
- Many improvements throughout the food system to reduce additional climate change can also help us adapt to change already occurring.
- Food production methods that protect and build the ability of the soil to hold carbon are especially critical to both climate change mitigation and adaptation.
- Agriculture will become even more dependent on biodiversity in terms of soil, pest control, and fertility as it transitions from a fossil fuel-dependent enterprise to one relying on biological processes, and to a system more resilient in the face of a changing climate.
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