What’s the Catch?


With the possibility of major advantages in food production globally, there are also a number of disadvantages associated with the Agricultural Revolution and the Green Revolution.


First, technological advancement in agriculture is incredibly expensive, meaning it is beyond the reach of many of the world’s poorest countries, i.e. the countries most in need of it. For example, greenhouses have proved extremely useful for farmers in developed countries, as greenhouses control heat, water and pests. However, greenhouses are far too expensive for farmers in the developing world to buy and install on their land.


Many artificial fertilisers are oil based, and oil is a rapidly depleting resource. As oil supplies dwindle, fertilisers will become increasingly expensive. Furthermore, over-fertilisation of soil can lead to it becoming toxic, while excess fertiliser can end up contaminating water supplies.


Regarding GM foods, there are a number of concerns, ranging from declining bee populations to our over-reliance on a few varieties of seeds. As traditional seed varieties are abandoned in favour of high- yielding GMO seeds, we become dependent on fewer seed types – what should happen if these seeds fail? Furthermore, companies who produce these seeds are allowed to patent them, which essentially means they can now patent life. These producers now have a monopoly on our food production.


A final concern is that developed countries, who can afford these technologies are capable of producing surplus food, while poorer countries have little or no food security. In the EU ‘food mountains’ of surplus supplies have formed as governments prevent excess products from flooding into the EU market and reducing prices. This excess food could be used to ease food security issues in the developing world; however, it is typically sold at a very high price.


Medical Improvements


In general, improvements in medical technology lead to a long-term decrease in population growth. As health conditions improve, families tend to have fewer children – since more children are likely to survive to adulthood. The development of new medications and vaccinations to prevent diseases such as malaria and measles has greatly increased the life expectancy in countries where these medications and vaccines have been implemented. These vaccines help greatly in reducing infant mortality as they are cheap and can be administered in even the most basic of conditions.


GEO DICTIONARY


Monopoly: possession or control of the supply of a good/service


Surplus: an excess amount, i.e. more than needed


: Fig. 2.24 Vaccinations reduce child mortality greatly.


OVERPOPULATION AND DEVELOPMENT 57


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Elective 5: Human CHAPTER 2


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