Over the past few years the world is producing 17 percent more food, yet one billion people go hungry.
That’s a conundrum that is the focus of a panel discussion Thursday night at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center titled, “The Future of Food in a Wealthier, Warmer World."
“It’s an interesting conundrum,” said Allison Miller, associate professor of biology at Saint Louis University. “We have a major challenge with feeding people but also conserving vibrant, healthy ecosystems.”
To that end, Miller explained that the agricultural community and environmental community often operate in different silos.
“Our sense is that we need to make people aware of the issues,” said Jason Clay, senior vice president of markets and food at the World Wildlife Fund. Clay and Miller joined St. Louis on the Air host Don Marsh.
In addition to climate change, challenges with feeding an increasing world population include productivity, consumption and food waste.
“I think it’s complicated,” Miller said of food waste. “It’s not just waste on the plate but it’s waste before the food makes it to the plate,” she said, citing where food is grown and how it’s transported.
“There is no one silver bullet; there are many silver bullets,” Miller said of finding solutions.
Related Event
What: Danforth Plant Science Center Conversations Series Presents "The Future of Food in a Wealthier, Warmer World"
When: Thursday, March 8, 2018; reception at 5:15 p.m. and conversation at 6 p.m.
Where: Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, 975 North Warson Road, St. Louis, MO 63132
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