Solutions for a cultivated planet
- Jonathan A Foley 1, Navin Ramankutty , Kate A Brauman , Emily S Cassidy , James S Gerber , Matt Johnston , Nathaniel D Mueller , Christine O'Connell , Deepak K Ray , Paul C West , Christian Balzer , Elena M Bennett , Stephen R Carpenter , Jason Hill , Chad Monfreda , Stephen Polasky , Johan Rockström , John Sheehan , Stefan Siebert , David Tilman , David P M Zaks
- 1Institute on the Environment (IonE), University of Minnesota, 1954 Buford Avenue, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55108, USA. jfoley@umn.edu
- 0Institute on the Environment (IonE), University of Minnesota, 1954 Buford Avenue, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55108, USA. jfoley@umn.edu
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View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.Future food security requires increasing food production while reducing agriculture's environmental impact. Strategies like closing yield gaps and reducing waste can double food output sustainably.
Area Of Science
- Agricultural Science
- Environmental Science
- Sustainability Studies
Background
- Growing global population and consumption patterns are straining agricultural systems and natural resources.
- Current agricultural practices contribute to land degradation, water depletion, biodiversity loss, and climate change.
- A significant portion of the world's population faces chronic malnutrition, highlighting food insecurity issues.
Purpose Of The Study
- To analyze strategies for meeting future global food security and sustainability needs.
- To identify methods for substantially increasing food production while minimizing agriculture's environmental footprint.
- To address the dilemma of feeding a growing population without further degrading the planet.
Main Methods
- Analysis of agricultural expansion trends and their environmental consequences.
- Assessment of 'yield gap' closure potential on underperforming agricultural lands.
- Evaluation of cropping efficiency improvements, dietary shifts, and waste reduction measures.
Main Results
- Halting agricultural expansion is a key strategy for reducing environmental impact.
- Closing yield gaps on underperforming lands can significantly boost food production.
- Integrated strategies including dietary shifts and waste reduction can double food production.
Conclusions
- A combination of strategies can sustainably double food production.
- Reducing agricultural expansion and improving efficiency are crucial for food security.
- Sustainable agriculture is achievable through targeted interventions and systemic changes.
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