G
gwens18a
Guest
Unfortunately for us predictions about global warming have been alarmingly accurate and there is no reason to suspect that future predictions will be any less so. One of the more disturbing predictions that atmospheric science is offering up is a decrease in rainfall in some areas, and where more rainfall is expected it is predicted that an increase in evaporation rates which will rob crops of moisture. We will of course need to place extra demand on groundwater sources until they are depleted and can no longer be relied on to support agriculture. We also must consider that glacial runoff to feed the streams and rivers that have traditionally been used for crop irrigation will no longer be available with the loss of mountain glaciers.
http://www.ipcc.ch/ipccreports/ar4-wg2.htm
To compound the problem, we now understand that an increase in atmospheric CO2 will decrease the nutritional value of plants, particularly C3 plants. C3 represent 95% of the earth’s biomass and the majority of plants we depend on for food such as rice, wheat, barley, soybeans, and potatoes.
http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/119416696/abstract
When combining the loss of arable land, increased evaporation, reduced irrigation to grow crops and reduced nutritional value of our key food crops, we need to consider how we would be able to feed the global population. How do you think this problem can be overcome before a very large portion of the planet’s population begins to suffer with malnutrition and famine?
http://www.ipcc.ch/ipccreports/ar4-wg2.htm
To compound the problem, we now understand that an increase in atmospheric CO2 will decrease the nutritional value of plants, particularly C3 plants. C3 represent 95% of the earth’s biomass and the majority of plants we depend on for food such as rice, wheat, barley, soybeans, and potatoes.
http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/119416696/abstract
When combining the loss of arable land, increased evaporation, reduced irrigation to grow crops and reduced nutritional value of our key food crops, we need to consider how we would be able to feed the global population. How do you think this problem can be overcome before a very large portion of the planet’s population begins to suffer with malnutrition and famine?