No one likes to change their mind, not even on climate
We know from both research and experience that people cling to information that is in line with their beliefs and worldviews, even when they suspect or even know the information to be false.
The Conversation: 27 April 2012
TechNyou
We have rarely dabbled with the climate change issue, but becasue it covers some of the critical thinking concepts, I thought it relevant and interesting.
Jason, TechNyou
No modest proposal: bioengineering humans for global warming
You know the situation is getting desperate when three bio-ethicists propose genetically modifying humans to reduce our environmental impact.
The Conversation: 16 April 2012
How engineering humans could combat climate change
Drugs to help you avoid eating meat, genetically engineered cat-like eyes to reduce the need for lighting, a wild interview about changes humans could make to themselves to battle climate change.
The Atlantic: 12 March 2012, By Ross Andersen
Having your carbon and eating it too
Human nutrition – in the form of Omega 3 and other dietary supplements – is just one of the potential bi-products from algae produced from CO2 emissions captured from power stations.
Climate Spectator: 19 August 2011
Food security: greatest challenge of our time?
By Jason Major
TechNyou
How will we feed ourselves in 30 years time? “Make no mistake, this is the greatest challenge of our time,” Julian Cribb told the National Sustainable Food Summit in Melbourne earlier this year.
The Summit report, video presentation of the speakers and commentary is now available from the 3 Pillars web site. There are some challenging and confronting statements made. I was there and the constant theme being driven home by all the speakers was that the existing system of food production, distribution and consumption was unsustainable. To feed ourselves in the future will require a radical overhaul, a complete re-think on how we produce, distribute and consume food. Some of this change will come from increasing scientific knowledge and new technologies; much of the change, however, will be cultural, political, economic and social.
For example, Australians throw away $1.1 billion worth of fresh fruit and vegetables every year. Reducing waste would have a huge effect on our ability to feed ourselves.
Quotes from speakers will give you a flavour of the Summit:
“The urgent need to give priority attention to food production, whilst maintaining the quality of the resource base from which it is produced, is perhaps one of the greatest scientific challenges ahead and certainly one that has apparently slipped from our gaze.” Dr John Williams, Commissioner, Natural Resources Commission, NSW and Founding Member, Wentworth Group of Concerned Scientists
“This is the size of the challenge facing the coming generation of farmers. It is to double the global food supply using half the water, on far less land and with increasingly depleted soils, without fossil fuels, with scarce and costly fertiliser and chemicals, amid spreading diseases and pests, under the hammer of climate change.” Prof. Julian Cribb. Julian Cribb and Associates.
For as long as the cost of maintaining and improving the natural resource base in agricultural systems is not included in the price of food, farmers will never be able to farm sustainably and profitably.” John Williams, Commissioner, Natural Resources Commission, NSW and Founding Member the Wentworth Group of Concerned Scientists.
In other words we should expect that we will pay more for our food.
Our intentionality shapes our systems. How would the food system be different if we approached it from the viewpoint of abundance and cooperation, rather than competition and scarcity?” Richard Hames, Distinguished Professor and Director, Asian Foresight Institute
Hot topics
The report contains a list of hot topics for further discussion – likely part of next year’s summit. It was interesting that two of the topics were What role does genetically modified food have to play in the current and future system? This is exactly the topic of our forum that Technyou is running in collaboration with the Australian Centre for Plant Functional Genomics in National Science Week. Stayed tuned for more details, but it will be held on 10 August somewhere in Melbourne.
Other hot topics included:
What role do biofuels play in a climate of food scarcity?
What role will organic farming play in the new food system?
To what extent should the externalities of food production – the environmental and social cost – be factored?
Recommendations
There were loads of these, but one other theme running through the conference was how disconnected we have become with the land. There was a call for a mandatory inclusion of food and nutrition in school curriculum and food literacy at all levels of education.
Will this mean we will have to endure more junior Master Chef on TV?
Video presentations
There many available for download. Two that I would recommend are Julian Cribb and Robin Batterham
Robin Batterham – What does food security actually mean and why is it important to Australia? from 3PillarsNetwork on Vimeo.
Julian Cribb – What are the future challenges to our food system? from 3PillarsNetwork on Vimeo.
New way to capture CO2
An Australian collaboration will explore how smart materials can capture and concentrate CO2 with minimum energy requirements.
University of Sydney: 10 May 2011
Growing beyond oil with biofuel
CSIRO Podcast: Oz, UK team up to turn waste plant material into a sustainable, low-emission fuel.
CSIRO: Podcast
New technologies for a changing climate
We are supporting a growing population on a finite planet and so must be smarter and more efficient than ever before. Whether we’re sourcing, converting, distributing, storing or using energy, there are many technologies in the pipeline. This booklet is your guide to what might be in store.
New Technologies for a Changing Climate
What drives genetic differences?
Professor Hoffmann has always been interested in natural variation among organisms, how it creates the diversity of life and how it is harnessed in our food production.
Professor Hoffmann’s research has led to new methods of using genes and insects to monitor for environmental pollutants, new ways of controlling pests, and new ways to promote the conservation of species and communities threatened by climate change.
AryHoffman10115_MelbUni_RReview10_10
Source: University of Melbourne Reseach Review 2010
How ‘mommy instinct’ outdid science
Book review: Myth-making led to a crisis of faith in vaccination
Sydney Morning Herald: 5 February 2011
TechNyou
I haven’t read the book, but TechNyou has touched on many of the points in this and other posts) made by Seth Mnookin in this article promoting his book. I would be interested to get people’s thoughts on the book, should anyone get to read it.
Jason
TechNyou