Sensational Science: The Trichotomy of global development in food security

Sep 21, 2021

3 min read

The Changing Planet

The world is changing the population of the planet is growing at an exponential rate. In 1958 the global population was around 3 billion people, today it stands at 7.5 billion. As more and more countries develop this number is likely to grow. Now more than ever the world is facing an acute issue, the trichotomy of a growing population, global environmental changes and the growing demand for sustainable food production.

As usual, there is no silver bullet, no one miracle solution but rather we should consider several smaller developments to help make incremental improvements.

Growing Protein Demand

As countries develop and grow Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and especially GDP per capita the demand for protein rises (Cambridge). The demand is predominantly in the form of Pork and Chicken (Pubmed) but is dependent on regions and tastes. Much of the demand for protein can be viewed through the lend of a “western” diet.

Future Alternatives

Synthetic Meat

In the last few years, there has been a growing backlash in the west against animal-derived proteins with the rise of “Beyond Meat” and other companies producing meat-like alternatives made from 100% plant-based products designed to taste, feel and look like real meat. These products are usually vegan but are not commonly marketed to a vegan audience. They are often marketed to those looking to cut meat from their diet for health and wellbeing reasons or those looking to reduce their impact on the environment.

Insect invasion

Many believe a sustainable alternative to synthetic meat is often overlooked through the lens of the western pallet. Insects possible pose the greatest solution to the global protein demand than any other solution. The amount of nutrients derived from insect sources can outweigh those of traditional animal sources. At the same time, the demands for eaw material are much less, water land, and feedstock can be greatly utilised if producing insects for consumption. Some companies are producing products such as Jungle Bars which utilised ground insect flour to boost the protein content of their product. Could you see yourself tucking into a cricket or a worm?

Aqua Farming

Seaweed the future of farming

You think of it as that slimy stuff at the beach or at the best the stuff your California sushi rolls are wrapped in. Seaweed is however a super plant providing up to 80% of the worlds oxygen supply (CNBC) as well as storing CO2. Seaweed does much more, it provides a low-cost food supply used in thousands of food products and as an ingredient in industrial application, it provides environments for marine life, fuel and an alternative to oil and food-based biomass for many demands (CNBC). Growing the area of seaweed production could be a win-win in the fight against climate change and food security. How do you think we could use seaweed?

Underwater Farms

Over 80% of the world surface is covered in water and we are struggling to find arable land for farming. What if we could use the sea for farming? Suggestions have been made that we could move a great amount of global food production under the sea where the environment is much more predictable than on land.

Whilst research is in its early stages initial trials look promising for growing soft fruit and salad crops. The key aspects to this type of farming is a reduction in land usage to grow specific types of crops and a reduction in the need to use fresh potable water for agriculture.

What do you think? Join the discussion by leaving a comment.

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