With recent research revealing a steep decline in global insect populations, the need to phase bug-killing pesticides out of agriculture is at an all-time high. The common belief in the world of farming, however, is that we need pesticides if we want to grow enough food to feed a growing population. A new scientific paper from the European thinktank IDDRI begs the differ. According to the new paper, Europe should still be able to feed its growing population even if it switched entirely to environmentally friendly approaches such as organic farming. Although organic farming would initially produce less food than conventional farming, the authors argue that the reductions could be mitigated towards eliminating food-feed completion—reorienting diets towards plant-based proteins and pasture-fed livestock, and away from grain-fed white meat, which makes sense considering half of Europe’s cereals and oilseed crops are fed to animals. By lessening meat consumption, more farms can orient themselves towards crops that humans will eventually eat rather than animals.
Europe could switch to 100% organic farming and still feed its population
More of Today's Solutions
Denmark introduces green taxes for aviation sustainability
Denmark recently revealed a bold plan to implement a green tax on air travel beginning in 2025. According to Thomas Danielsen, the country's transportation ...
Read MoreA guide to the three kinds of movement your body needs every week
Making physical activity a priority has never been more important for our health in this fast-paced society when sitting all day is the standard. While ...
Read MoreWhy little treats matter: the science-backed benefits of small daily joys
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM You know those small moments that somehow make everything feel a little better? Maybe it’s stepping outside into ...
Read MoreAncient conch blowing practice shows promise for easing sleep apnea symptoms
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM An ancient breathing practice involving conch shells could help ease the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a ...
Read More
