Saturday, November 28, 2009

The Parable of the Sower

Irrespective of whether climate change this century results in additional Earth warming or cooling, and to what extent, the human population of this planet will have increased to 9 billion people. Shortages of food, energy, and potable water will be more and more critical issues and need to be addressed NOW -- if mankind is to avoid serious crisis that could otherwise lead to mass migration, starvation, and even wars.

The advantages of genetically modified seeds is becoming more apparent. Monsanto has been an innovator in this field: identifying genetic traits with particular qualities and transplanting these traits into seeds to improve their performance. The biggest breakthrough so far has been in weed and bug control. Some plants have been bioengineered to deter pests from eating their leaves and roots, reducing or even eliminating the need for insecticides. Drought tolerent products are expected to be available in about three years.

Think of the benefit to humanity this will result in. The attached link leads you to the article published in the November 21st Economist, "The Parable of the Sower."

No comments:

GREENLAND - Will probably be the focus of near term sea level rise

Greenland is almost all covered by a very thick glacial ice cap. If all of Greenland's ice either melted or slid into the oceans, sea le...