Impending Food Shortage Crisis Driven by Global Warming

2100 may seem like a long time from now, and in all honesty, it is, but our grandchildren are likely to be living during this time, as well as other future generations of our family. These loved family members, however, are going to be facing all types of issues caused by our lack of environmental concern. Our generation, as well as those before us, have used more energy and emitted more toxins than many hundreds or thousands of years before the introduction of the car, computer, SUV, and other amenities that seem to make life easier. The main problem with these every day items is that they are frequently misused, which increases global warming, however slight it may be.

All of the polluting that has taken place over the past few years is causing a rapid increase in global temperatures, which can be seen in all areas, from Antarctica to the tropics. By 2100, these areas are going to be dramatically different than they are now, which is likely to cause a global food shortage. A recent study from the University of Washington warns that nearly half the world’s population is going to face a “serious food shortage” due to the increase in climate. The areas that will likely be hit the hardest are the tropics and subtropics, with already warm temperatures and high population counts.

To combat this impending food shortage, we must begin striving for change now. Foods are going to have to be altered slightly in order to be able to withstand the increased temperatures. The University of Washington study confirms this by saying “…in the future it is going to be a lot worse unless there is some kind of adaptation.” The quest for adaptation will take decades to complete, with much trial and error during the process.

We have two options here: to let this happen and allow future generations to painfully and slowly adapt when the time comes, or accept responsibility and take action now. However, the study finds, “…we’re not doing a very good job of that.”

Tagged as: crisis, food shortage, global warming