Lecture 19 Sustainability
Our interest in sustainability from a dietetics and nutrition should be to:
*Advocate for the consumer *Achieve a balance that meets reasonable needs in the provision of healthy foods for consumers using methods that are conducive to supporting the environment. (We are interested in advocating for both the health of the population and the health of the planet. )
Food systems elements of sustainability:
*Hunger, starvation, and malnutrition *Adequate water supply *Climate change *Food waste *Healthy ocean *GM foods
Sustainability involves using inputs in ways that do not:
*deplete finite natural resources *abuse human resources
Mercury
- Increased by 30% the last 20 years, and will increase another 50% in the next few decades and has serious human health impacts
Dead Zones
- Occurring at the mouths of large rivers, and are caused by fertilizers and run-off and destroys entire habitats
Off shore drilling
- The use of fossil fuels is the reason our oceans have been heating up and becoming more acidic, but offshore drilling takes the risks even further. When oil is extracted from the ocean floor, other chemicals like mercury, arsenic, and lead come up with it. Also, the seismic waves used to find oil harm aquatic mammals and disorient whales. In 2008, 100 whales had beached themselves as a result of ExxonMobil exploring for oil with these techniques
Biotechnology is a term that refers to:
-(USDA definition) Agricultural biotechnology is a range of tools, including traditional breeding techniques, that alter living organisms, or parts of organisms, to make or modify products; improve plants or animals; or develop microorganisms for specific agricultural uses. -(United Nations definition) Biotechnology means any technological application that uses biological systems, living organisms, or derivatives thereof, to make or modify products or processes for specific use."
Problems with aquaculture Escapees
-Aquaculture causes the largest occurrence of foreign, invasive species introduced into new areas, -Farmed fish can escape from their pens, damaging both the environment and native fish populations; competing for food, exposing them to disease and parasites and cross breeding diluting the native gene pool, necessary for long term survival of the species
Problems with aquaculture-Disease
-Aquaculture operations can spread parasites and disease into the wild; Farmed fish are prone to parasites that they don't get in the wild -Like chicken coops must be kept clean and known to spread disease, so is farmed fish and shellfish -Farmed fish are exposed to disease through the use of unprocessed fish food source, rather than pellets
Problems with aquaculture-affects of construction
-Both land and aquatic wildlife lose their habitats through the building of coastal aquaculture facilities along coastal property, where clean and natural water can be accessed for its processes -One famous example, in Asia and Latin America, is the mangrove forests cleared to make shrimp farms.
Unethical corporate behavior
-Canadian farmer who did not plant patented soy beans was sued for having them in his field, he lost -Monsanto's Round Up Ready soybean seeds glyphosphate has not resulted in long term weed resistance. It is now modified for 5 different herbicides, resulting in greater rather than less herbicide use
A desired gene trait from one organism is transferred into another Crops produced through Biotechnology are significant components of the US food supply. According to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS, 2016), 85% corn; 94% soy; 93% cotton (cottonseed oil) 50% canola are GE:
-Canola, corn and soybeans are Round Up Ready -Cotton, corn and potatoes are modified to produce an insecticidal protein (Bacillus thermogenesis (Bt corn) -Salmon, Tilapia are engineered for growth hormone -Papaya and squash are modified for virus resistance -FlavRSavr Tomatoes, a flopped GE tomato engineered for shelf life -White rice is engineered to be a source of Vitamin A in foreign companies
What is climate change?
-Emissions of greenhouse gasses (GHG)(CO2, methane, nitrous oxides, chloroflourocarbons) accumulate in the atmosphere at rates that make it difficult for the gasses to dissipate or be removed. These gasses trap heat (see notes on slide) -Majority of greenhouse gas emissions are from: *Energy (burning of fossil fuels), transportation, industrial activities, methane production from agriculture, household practices *FS contribution is estimated at ~ 32% of GHG production -Outcomes from GHG accumulation (largely human and planet health and agriculture) *Increased temperature of the ocean and land with numerous consequences *Acidification of the ocean impacting shellfish survival *Drought, floods and other weather patterns *Diminished crop yields; decreased nutritional value (e.g., protein and minerals in grain crops) *Disruption of the ecosystem balance
Loss of local production of foods; reformulating of basic foods
-Food supply is based on maximizing shelf life and convenience -Agriculture is framed as a trade commodity; sometimes unrelated to the provision of food for all
Adapting forms of agriculture-Utilize agriculture agriculture methods are efficient and sustainable. Currently we are moving:
-From small to industrialized farming -From grain to meat based diets, globally -Decreasing in the biodiversity of agricultural products -Risking the development of invasive species with GM products that are modified to be resistant to pathogens and predators -Battling over uses of land and water -Struggling to meet energy needs for all -Seeking understanding of the carbon footprints associated with agriculture and other uses
Gene transfer
-GM food gene transfer to the body or bacteria in the GI tract is concerning as microbes can transfer genetic traits potentially impacting human health. -This would be potentially concerning if antibiotic resistance genes, used as markers when creating GMOs, were to be transferred. -The risk of transfer is low, but technology that does not involve antibiotic resistance genes is encouraged.
Allergenicity and Risk of Novel Toxins
-Gene transfer from commonly allergenic organisms to non-allergic organisms is discouraged unless able to prove that the protein in the transferred gene is not allergenic. -Protocols for the testing of GM foods for allergens have been evaluated by the (WHO/FAO) No allergic effects have been found for GM foods on the current market.
Problems with aquaculture- secondary impacts
-Other wild species are at risk for being over-fished to make farmed fish food. Because -Most farmed fish are carnivores, and so whole fish or pellets made from fish.
Companies are making money
-Patent life forms of biological commons -Selling technology to developing countries *Countries that might benefit from GMO cannot always afford the technology
Biotechnology in food and agriculture: Pros
-Powerful tool for sustainability and to meet needs of global population -Higher yields; improved quality; reduce disease; improve nutrition -Target and identify genotypes -Build new research to assist in conservation efforts -Potential economic and nutritional benefits
Biotechnology in food and agriculture: Cons
-Risk for human and animal health and welfare *Spread or development of new toxins *Transfer of allergens -Environmental risk *Development of more aggressive weeds; decreasing disease resistance *Altering the ecosystem balance *Reduction of biodiversity and loss of traditional cultivars -Limited global benefits and consequences of current economic/profit model
Biotech farming is a tandem practice favoring huge farms of limited diversity in production
-Smaller farms with diverse crops are challenged to be competitive and cannot afford the seeds and technologies -Agribusiness opposes efforts to maintain non-GMO practices
Environmental impacts of changing agriculture
-Water scarcity is the most significant global food problem *25% of global population is in shortage *Ground/surface water is being contaminated by pesticides, fertilizer and poor management of manure *Water is needed for irrigation, plant growth and processing -Land degradation and soil erosion-farming that depletes soils -Deforestation contributes to global warming (Forests ARE ecosystems and serve to balance gaseous products) -Environmental stressors-carbon footprint *Contamination from nitrogen emissions contributes to soil degradation *Industrial animal production contributes to food pathogen safety issues
-Transgenic foods do not need FDA approval if they are "substantially equivalent" to an existing food. -FDA has distinguished regulations for foods requiring a full food safety evaluation for transgenic foods, that includes:
-When using genes that are not already in food supply -When significantly altering nutrients or food components -Using potential allergens -When antibiotics are involved -When significant levels of toxicants are involved (FDA now requires a pre-market consultation prior to the introduction of newly developed GM foods.)
Genetic engineering, traits or characteristics of an organism are
-changed by transferring individual genes from one species (usually bacteria or virus) to another (called transgenesis) -or by modification (snipping or turning off) genes within the species (called gene editing)
Blank in 9 people on earth do not have enough food to live a healthy life, mostly in developing nations
1
Causes of world hunger: food and wastage and poor distribution
1/3 of all food produced is never consumed; contribute to water foot prints and greenhouse gas emissions
This percent of the population is undernourished in developing nations
12.9
1 in blank Sub-Saharan African people is undernourished
3
Poor nutrition causes nearly half (45%) of deaths in children under five-this many children each year
3.1 million
A more recent study by the Environmental Protection Agency estimated that Americans generate roughly this amount of million tons of food waste each year (in 2014), which is about 12 percent of the total waste stream. All but about 5% of that food waste ends up in landfills; by comparison, 62 percent of yard waste is composted.
38
Americans waste an astounding amount of food — somewhere between these percents or our food is wasted. Produce is the most wasted food commodity, and it happens at the retail and home level.
40-50%
Forests contribute habitat for this percent of all species; This percent of pharmaceuticals are derived from plants in rain forest. In addition to the contributing to gaseous exchange, forest remove pollutants, control land slides, soil erosion, reduce floods and influence climate.
50-90% 25%
1 in blank children roughly 100 million, in developing countries is underweight; 1 in 3 stunted and 1 in 4 of the whole world's children are stunted
6
This many people in 10/2017 and predicted to be this in 2100 have problems with feeding have to do with politics, economics and distribution, economic disenfranchisement, poverty and war and not production or crop efficiency
7.6 billion people estimated to be 11.2 billion
This percent of processed foods contain genetically engineered ingredients Round up ready means that they resist the effects of a common herbicide. This herbicide resistance is part of the make up of the plant. If that plant pollinates, will the herbicide resistance be transferred to another plant giving that plant the ability to resist being killed by herbicides (e.g., dandelions) B theromogenesis is a naturally occurring bacteria that kills insects. It is commonly used as a natural insecticide by organic farmers. If it is inserted into plants that currently do not contain it, more insects will be exposed to the organism. In short order, insects will likely no longer be resistant to it.
70%
Some products produce a larger carbon footprint (production of CO2) based on consumption of land and water, feed and disposal of waste. Packaging and processing contribute larger footprints. This percent of CO2 foot print came from production of the food itself, with only 11% associated with transportation and travel. What you eat seems to be more important from a carbon perspective than where it came from. Production methods may vary with agricultural practices, so figures are estimates. Life cycle analysis which is what this is called only provides estimates of GHG from food, as the variables in the production can be very different from one farm to another.
83%
Americans contribute directly and indirectly to the production of greenhouse gas emissions; whether or not that is a concern upon which we should focus considering the production attributed from heat, air, and combustible engines. Moreover, of this amount of Metric Ton CO2 equivalent (Mt CO2 e) that are emitted indirectly during the production and delivery of products and services, food and beverages represent a 40% share, more than any other type. (A metric ton is 2204 lbs)
9.8 Metric Ton
Irresponsible fish farming
A good idea in theory, has many negative consequences due to poorly managed operations. Nutrient and chemical pollution can occur easily in open-ocean operations when fish feed, excrement, and medication is released into the environment. Farmed fish accidentally released into wild populations can also have destructive effects, such as loss of native stocks, disease transmission, and damaging changes in habitat. Supplying 50% of our fish, it is unregulated
Methods are imprecise, gene gun or organism:
Agrobacterium tumefaciens, using a bacterial organism that can insert the genetic material Technology is expensive and if hit or miss, takes much investment
Blank is more willing to accept risk of mistakes that may occur, as who assumes the costs of environmental mishaps is undetermined. We have embraced the technology with less caution; European and Japanese are more interested in going slowly and having assurance that the technology is safe for environmental concerns and has no long term negative outcomes.
American business
This country has two thirds of the total hungry people
Asia
What's good about Aquaculture:
Basically it is the most rapidly growing food production in the world, it provides a good, consistent supply and source of fish; local economy and jobs are improved; environmental impacts are low, local and repairable
Causes of world hunger: War and displacement
Conflicts disrupt farming and food supply. Millions are forced to flee their homes and small farms Food is used as a tool of war
Sustainable Food System Framework: Complexity of the challenges Base
Diagram reflects the complexity of Food Systems. Base: Sustain our natural and human resources in the process of producing, etc food, moderated by: Social values: Politics: Education and Research: Technology: Economics:
Causes of world hunger: Climate and weather
Disastrous weather, droughts and climates that support limited agriculture worsen poverty. Climate change, deforestation and salination make this worse
Social values
Equity for all people and nations
Limited in vitro or short term testing
Field testing is needed- often companies conduct their own testing and submit the results to USDA.
In 1997, in one of the few studies of food waste, the Department of Agriculture estimated that two years before, 96.4 billion pounds of the 356 billion pounds of edible food in the United States was never eaten. These foods made up two-thirds of the waste.
Fresh produce, milk, grain products and sweeteners made up
Politics
Governed, maintained or dictated by policies
Causes of world hunger:Poverty trap
Hunger makes one weaker and less able to earn money chronically malnourished are condemned to a life of poverty and hunger.
Causes of world hunger: No investment in agriculture limits agricultural yields and access to food
Lacking key agricultural infrastructure, (roads, warehouses and irrigation, etc) results in high transport costs, limited storage and unreliable water supplies.
Problems with aquaculture-The environment
Like a giant aquarium, land-based fish farms live in tanks containing dirty water that must be changed. -Significant wastewater containing feces, nutrients and chemicals released into the environment. -Causing algae blooms which remove dissolved oxygen in the waterway. A zero oxygen content results in deadly fish kills. -Antibiotics and water treatment agents used in the aquaculture industry and aquaculture systems need to be closed, or wastewater treated prior to discharge.
Acidification
Oceans show a 25% increase in acidity since the 1950's and is destroying marine life
Oceans Problems:
Overfishing-The FAO estimates >70% of the world's fish species have been entirely exploited or depleted Whaling and Shark Finning- large predators killed in huge numbers Irresponsible fish farming- Good idea gone bad, see aquaculture Ghost fishing and garbage - Trash left behind from ocean fishing and garbage discarded has serious impacts; 10% of all 260 tons of plastics ends up in the ocean Warming and Acidification - Ocean absorbs 1/3 of CO2 emissions, making it acidic and increasing temperatures, impacting polar ice caps, coral reef destruction and disturbing the ecosystem Dead Zones- where the sea floor has little to no dissolved oxygen. Mercury in oceans - Pollutants from coal power plants Offshore drilling - destroys habitats and fosters reliance on fossil fuels
GE foods, GMO and transgenic foods are foods or products produced using genetic engineering Why modify?
Primarily: GE foods strive for: resistance to insect damage; resistance to viral infections; and tolerance towards certain herbicides
Hunger and starvation
Profound mismatch between need and supply
Economics
Reality as a source of primary challenges: inextricably linked to social values and politics
Technology
Realize the role of technology in sustainability: driving it as well as a source of solutions
Review slides 5,6,9,13,14,19
Review
Education and Research
Study to understand and learn how to manage sustainability; and research that is focused on science as well as practice
What is "wrong" with the current food system?
Sustainability is challenged by values and assumptions about the inherent components about the complexity. They influence how we consider, develop policy, study, teach and frame the issue of sustainability. It is about food, and it is about maintaining an environment, but it is also about power, sovereignty, and economics and equity.
Biotechnology is historically a larger term which encompasses the use of fermentation of foods, We are now moving toward technology called synthetic biology:
Synthetic biology is a new interdisciplinary area that involves the application of engineering principles to biology. It aims at the (re-)design and fabrication of biological components and systems that do not already exist in the natural world. Synthetic biology combines chemical synthesis of DNA with growing knowledge of genomics to enable researchers to quickly manufacture catalogued DNA sequences and assemble them into new genomes
Blanks goal for Zero Hunger starts with learning the facts about global food insecurity. If you want to know more about achieving resiliency in communities most affected by hunger follow our "Hunger Facts" series to get statistics and figures about the hunger situation in the countries where WFP works.
The World Food Programme's (WFP)
In addition to these issues, come more recent concerns regarding both how much CO2 is produced in methods of agriculture and how much energy demand is needed to continue using these methods. Is the agricultural CO2 more problematic than that produced by energy sources?
There is already competition for corn as a commodity to be used for bio-fuel. While it is well known that there is insufficient land to produce enough corn to make ethanol to satisfy the US demand, the price of corn spiked due to demands for corn for ethanol. Such outcomes contribute to shifts in production and have impact on the cost of food for consumers. In 2016, the EPA just approved the increase in the % of ethanol in gasoline.
Outcrossing
may have indirect effect on food safety and food security -Gene migration into conventional crops or related species in the wild -Mixing of crops derived from conventional seeds with GM crops, may indirectly impact food safety and biodiversity -Several countries have adopted strategies to reduce mixing, including a clear separation of the fields within which GM crops and conventional crops are grown.
Biotechnology is a term that refers to
methods for using plants or animals or microbes either wholly or in part to make a modified product or to change an existing species
Modifying the genetic makeup of an organism but technology has created recombinant procedures
previous hybridization was slower and limited to similar species
If women farmers had the same access to resources as men,
the number of hungry in the world could be reduced by up to 150 million, and would take US $3.2 billion annually to reach those 66 million kids
Food waste combustion contributes to the GHG emissions and also ends up in
the ocean
In feeding the world
what is taking place are significant changes in agriculture, that have impact on many cultures that have invested centuries in the development of their agricultural products.
Developed nations have higher GDP and economic power, but we also contribute more heavily to the production of GHG. Increasingly...
with development globally, more cars, more activities contributing to GHG are spreading the emissions. Metric tonne = 1000 kg.
