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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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The Fate of Food summary
Amanda Little
What We’ll Eat in a Bigger, Hotter, Smarter World
20 mins
Brief summary
The Fate of Food by Amanda Little is an eye-opening read that explores the future of our global food system amidst climate change, population growth and other challenges. From artificial meat to vertical farms, Little investigates potential solutions to this complex issue.
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The Fate of Food
Summary of 6 key ideas
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Key idea 1 of 6
Modern farming techniques are a major contributor to our current ecological crisis.
There’s no doubt about it, agriculture today is more productive than at any time in human history. Modern machinery, improved pesticides and even the seeds we use have dramatically increased the amount of food humanity can grow.
Yet this improved productivity has come at a cost.
The key message here is: Modern farming techniques are a major contributor to our current ecological crisis.
Since humans first sowed seeds, every agricultural innovation has been the result of a common goal: producing larger, more reliable crops with less effort.
Over the centuries, farming transformed from self-sufficiency – only growing enough to meet the immediate need – to a profit-driven industrial giant. This long history of innovation culminated in the Green Revolution in the years following World War II. New pesticides, irrigation techniques, and hybrid seeds combined to increase the global food supply 200 percent.
The Green Revolution was long heralded as a milestone for humanity. But for all of its achievements, the Green Revolution had some unintended consequences.
Excess fertilizer, herbicides and pesticides have caused damage to aquatic life, topsoil and useful, productive insects like bees. The insects that actually damage crops, meanwhile, have become resistant to existing pesticides. Farmers are forced to use ever-stronger chemicals to fight them off. Then there’s climate change. The carbon footprint of industrial agriculture is enormous. Food production accounts for a fifth of total greenhouse gas emissions annually, more than any other single contributor.
But perhaps the Green Revolution’s greatest failure has been its inability to solve the problem of food distribution. Food is now produced on a massive scale. And yet, more than 800 million people are undernourished. Supply chains remain inefficient, and so approximately a third of the food produced around the world goes to waste.
Because of the downsides to the Green Revolution, some sustainable food advocates argue we should dismantle the entire structure and go back to basics. They want us to reject chemicals and genetic modification in favor of simpler agrarian practices. While this may sound idyllic in theory, it isn’t entirely feasible. Technology has dramatically cut the costs associated with farming, resulting in considerably more affordable food. If we stopped using technology, we’d end up with more expensive food. And it’d be the poorest communities who’d lose out.
The way forward requires a combination of efforts, with technology and tradition working together to feed a more crowded planet.
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What is The Fate of Food about?
The Fate of Food (2019) looks at a rapidly changing world and the question of how we’ll feed our ever-growing population. Is it possible to produce a clean, climate-resilient food supply that’s adequate to meet our needs? The Fate of Food examines the technological and sociological demands of feeding the world.
The Fate of Food Review
The Fate of Food (2019) is an eye-opening exploration of the challenges and possibilities in feeding our growing global population. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- Through in-depth research and interviews, it provides a comprehensive understanding of the complex issues surrounding food production and consumption.
- Tackling topics such as climate change, technology, and sustainability, the book offers thought-provoking insights that inspire readers to consider their role in the future of food.
- With its engaging storytelling and balanced perspectives, the book ensures that the subject matter, though weighty, remains accessible and captivating throughout.
Who should read The Fate of Food?
- People concerned with the effects of industrial agriculture on the environment
- Food lovers fascinated by the farm-to-table journey
- Science buffs wanting to keep up with the latest trends in agricultural science
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The Fate of Food FAQs
What is the main message of The Fate of Food?
The main message of The Fate of Food is that we need to find innovative and sustainable solutions to feed our growing population.
How long does it take to read The Fate of Food?
The reading time for The Fate of Food varies depending on the reader's speed. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The Fate of Food a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Fate of Food is worth reading because it sheds light on the challenges of feeding the world and offers insights into potential solutions.
Who is the author of The Fate of Food?
The author of The Fate of Food is Amanda Little.
What to read after The Fate of Food?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Fate of Food, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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- 12 Rules For Life by Jordan B. Peterson
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- Heal Your Gut, Save Your Brain by Partha Nandi
- The Uninhabitable Earth by David Wallace-Wells
- Should We Eat Meat? by Vaclav Smil
- On the Origin of Species by Charles Darwin
- The Molecule of More by Daniel Z. Lieberman and Michael E. Long
- DBT Made Simple by Sheri Van Dijk