Connection Between Climate Change and the Global Food Crisis

As CO2 and other greenhouse gasses (GHGs) continue their upward trend, global warming is expected to intensify. The IPCC Fourth Assessment Report (2007) found that global warming and the resulting climate change are strongly predicted to lead to an increase in the number and intensity of extreme weather events, such as heavy precipitation, floods, droughts, and hurricanes (IPCC). Although heavy rains are expected to increase in the moist tropics, water stress is predicted to affect hundreds of millions of people due to the decreased availability of clean, accessible drinking water as well as a decrease in the amount of water available for agriculture (IPCC). Although it is clear that climate change affects agriculture, climate change is also affected by agriculture, which contributes 13.5 percent of all human-induced greenhouse gas emissions globally (USGCRP, 2009).

According to the US Global Change Research Program (USGCRP), “Extreme events such as heavy downpours and droughts are likely to reduce crop yields because excesses or deficits of water have negative impacts on plant growth” (USGCRP, 2009, Agriculture section, 1st text box). For example, a punishing drought in China has put a third of the country’s wheat crop at risk, and since China is the world’s biggest wheat producer, this has put a strain on an already stressed global food supply, which is currently at a record high prices (FAO, 2011). Excessive rainfall also delays spring planting and flooding during growing season can lead to lower crop yields due to “low oxygen levels in the soil, increased susceptibility to root diseases, and increased soil compaction due to the use of heavy farm equipment on wet soils” (USGCRP, 2009, Agriculture section, para. 19).

Carbon dioxide levels are expected to continue their global rise and warming is expected to intensify (IPCC, 2007). Although many crops show positive responses to elevated CO2 levels, higher levels of warming negatively affect growth and crop yields (USGCRP, 2009). For example, even moderate warming has been shown to negatively effect yields of corn, wheat, sorghum, bean, rice, cotton, and peanut crops (USGCRP). Additionally, higher temperatures cause plants to use more water to keep cool and with increasing demand (due to population growth) and competition among its primary uses (urban, agricultural, and environmental), freshwater supplies needed for these crops have been predicted to become increasingly limited. We have already seen this condition throughout California as competition for water continues to intensify.

The effects of climate change on agriculture are clear, but agriculture also effects climate change. As global population increases, food demand increases. This means that industrial farming, and all of the negative externalities associated with it, is growing at a rapid rate. Beyond all of the oil and water that goes into maintaining industrial scale farming, genetically modified seeds are now widespread both in the US and globally. This has led to a huge loss in genetic variability and an increase in the use of pesticides, creating superbugs, which in turn results in an even larger increase in pesticide use (note that pesticides, as well as herbicides and fungicides, are products of the petrochemical industry). The loss of genetic variability is also an important issue because genetic variability is what allows organisms to adapt as well as maintain defenses against viruses and bacteria.

Another concern is the deforestation of large tracts of land in order to create space for agriculture. For example, according to Yale’s Environment 360 (2011), in Ethiopia 400,000 hectares, an area 80 times the size of Manhattan, has been designated as “a huge agricultural investment potential” by the Ethiopian ministry of agriculture, despite a majority of the land being located in a national park and right in the middle of the second largest mammal migration on earth. Most of the concessions are going to Indian agricultural firm Karuturi Global Limited. Along with the new agriculture will come an expected 600 new roads, where there used to be a single dirt road. The large nearby swamp is also being drained for irrigation purposes and locals have complained that ever since the forests were demolished the honeybees have disappeared – honey was a source of food and income for these people, which has now been lost. Moreover, deforestation and draining water reservoirs often lead to increased desertification.

All of these actions, including the oil and GHG emissions associated with agriculture, lead to a further increase in CO2 levels, which lead to increased warming and more intense climate change overall. This in turn leads to lower crop yields, which then leads to more intensive farming practices as well as agricultural expansion… and the positive feedback loop continues.

Carbon dioxide emissions, global warming, world water wars, and agricultural expansion are just a few of the ways that climate change and the global food crisis are interconnected. There are innumerable ways to loop the two issues together simply by reading the news and connecting the dots. Unfortunately, many people apparently lack the skills to make these connections themselves and, sadly, the media is doing a terrible job at pointing out the connections between the emerging global food crisis and global climate change. Hopefully this recognition will come sooner rather than later, and more importantly, I hope that it is not already to late to make this recognition.

Works Cited:

FAO, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. (2011, March 03). Tight cereal markets as food prices increase again. Retrieved from: http://www.fao.org/news/story/en/item/51913/icode/

Pearce, F. (2011, March 07). Agribusiness Boom Threatens Key African Wildlife Migration. Yale Environment 360. Online via: http://e360.yale.edu/feature/agribusiness_boom_threatens_key_african_wildlife_migration/2377/

USGCRP, US Global Change Research Program. (2009). Global Climate Change Impacts in the United States, Thomas R. Karl, Jerry M. Melillo, and Thomas C. Peterson, (eds.). Cambridge University Press. Available online at: http://globalchange.gov/publications/reports/scientific-assessments/us-impacts/download-the-report

IPCC, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. (2007). Climate Change 2007: The Physical Science Basis. Contribution of Working Group I to the Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change [Solomon, S., D. Qin, M. Manning, Z. Chen, M. Marquis, K.B. Averyt, M.Tignor and H.L. Miller (eds.)]. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, United Kingdom and New York, NY, USA

Açaí and Pão de Queijo (Cheese Bread)

Açaí and Pão de Queijo

One of my favorite things, among many, about being in Brazil is the abundance of açaí (pronunciation). I can get açaí whenever I want and it tastes much better than anything in the US. I like it com banana, morango, e guarana (with banana, strawberry, and guarana).

This photo was taken at one of Russell's favorite açaí spots. Their açai is good but I think he really likes the pão de queijo (cheese bread) more than anything - and we only eat it when it is hot and fresh.

Here is an easy recipe for pão de queijo.

Red Velvet Cheesecake from Magnolia Bakery

Eating red velvet cheesecake. Mmm.

This last weekend I was finally able to take Russell to get some delicious Indian food. I know most people would not consider going out to lunch at Grand Central Terminal as something that fantastic, maybe equal to eating at a mall somewhere, but in my opinion the food is delicious and there are no long lines.

Of course I got potato samosas with chutney (yum!) and Russell got rice with lentils and beans. Everything was great.

Whenever I go to Grand Central I have to get a mini cheesecake from the Magnolia Bakery - seriously best cheesecake ever. And from what I understand, the lines at the other shops are quite long, obviously because everything they serve is delicious, but I have only seen a max of three people in line at the Grand Central location. I normally get the vanilla bean cheesecake - simple and delicious - but they were out, so I decided to go for the red velvet cheesecake.

Red velvet cheesecake from the Magnolia Bakery

I have only just been introduced to red velvet. The development team (the team I work with at the Clinton Foundation) brings in little cupcakes whenever an intern leaves, and since I am the last remaining intern, I have had the chance to sample a variety of flavors. This is how I discovered red velvet. Delicious.

The Magnolia Bakery has combined the most delicious cupcake flavor I have tasted and smooth texture of red velvet with the spine tingling deliciousness of cheesecake and an Oreo cookie crust - literally heaven on earth. I can't tell you how happy I was eating this cheesecake - how happy I am just recalling it!

I you ever come to New York go to any Magnolia Bakery and get a red velvet cheesecake. You won’t regret a single calorie.

Betty's Restaurant - Chippawa, Niagara, Ontario, Canada

Betty's Restaurant

We were recommended to Betty's Restaurant by the first aid guy that helped Kris with her bloody finger - your remember him, I wrote a post about him saying in Canada, "first aid, like health care, is free". He told us to get the fish n' chips, but cautioned that the servings are huge. We all went there after our ride on the Main of the Mist. Russell and I ordered the fish n' chips - double portion to share - as did my dad and Kris. This size of the double place was easily enough to leave all of us stuffed, and I think a single plate could have probably done the job as well.

I have to give this place an A+ for friendly service and delicious food. I definitely recommend it.

Jerome's Pizza, Bronx, NYC

I really need to dedicate a whole post to Jerome's Pizza. I've become quite the regular at this place by now since it is only two blocks from my house, not to mention the fact that they have delicious pizza! I go here at least once a week for a cheese slice (although their white pizza is also very tasty) - to which I add Parmesan, crushed peppers, and oregano - with one garlic knot (also amazingly delicious) on top. In California I used to eat Mexican all the time, but since good Mexican food has been a very rare find, I think pizza has taken its place.

This really is how all pizza should be made - thin crust, with just a little sauce, and not too oily. Also, one slice is just perfect - it fills me up but doesn't leave me stuffed, so I leave still feeling light.

Jerome's Pizza, The Bronx, NY

The fellas that work there are also really great. I think they must really enjoy their job - they are always smiling and in a damn good mood. I must also give this place kudos for doing delivery by bicycle. Hopefully I'll be able to find a comparable substitute when I move out of my place in the Bronx - but I doubt I will find anything with the personality and deliciousness of Jerome's.

Yes, it's hot - but I'm still enjoying this city!

Yesterday, despite the record breaking heat, Kathy, Kevin, and I went out to dinner with the Mohantys (two professors from our graduate program) who are in NYC visiting family. We went to this AMAZING Thai restaurant and with five people you end up trying a little bit of everything! I usually get curry and pad thai but this time I also got to try papaya salad (green papaya, carrot, string beans, tomato, peanut, and lime juice), crispy whole red snapper topped with sweet tamarind chili garlic sauce, panang curry, yellow curry, pad thai with squid, and something else that was delicious but I'm not sure what it is called. Then Mano ordered a desert of sticky rice and mango, which sounded really strange, but  is incredibly delicious! What a great night - excellent food with wonderful people!

Professors Manoranjah & Bidyut Mohanty, Kevin, Kathy, & Erica

People have been asking me about the heat wave that has settled over the East Coast - yes it is hot, but I have spent a few summers in the tropics and I grew up where the thermometer can reach over 115ºF so for me it is hot, but definitely bearable. Last night I had to run the air conditioner for the first time because it has been difficult to sleep when it is so warm and I really wanted a good nights rest (I only used it to cool the room then shut it off and turned on the fan). The gal I am subletting from also gave me a good tip before she left for France - sleep with frozen water bottles wrapped in cloth. I did that last night and it works really well! I will probably do that again tonight, although the breeze has kicked in and the temperature today was only in the 90s. By Friday it will be back in the 80s. One thing I do love about the hot weather is that the sorbet people come out and sell small refreshing cups of it for only $1. It is a perfect cool down treat to take down into the sweltering subway tunnels (the trains have air con, though).

I am still enjoying work. Right now I have 3 projects, well the third one starts tomorrow. They are keeping me busy, but I like it that way. Kathy and I are still working on the new filing system, I am running an online test forum that I created (which I think is starting to come along quite nicely), and tomorrow I start doing some research - basically finding ways that the same amount of money can reach more people with HIV/AIDS (value for money). It is shaping up to be a good summer and a good internship...it is true what they say, internships are what you make of them, and I plan to make the most out of this opportunity.

Tour of the United Nations and more!

Erica with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (cutout)

Well Professor Clémençon's class has paid off... I toured the UN headquarters and was able to answer a few of the questions the tour guide asked about the functions of the UN, the Millennium Development Goals, the nations with veto powers, etc. Also, President Clinton's personal assistant came in to talk yesterday and I was able to appreciate her remarks about the snails pace the UN works at. But really, the tour was great and I saw many interesting things and some very beautiful artwork.

Street fair with Kathy

After the UN tour Kathy and I stumbled upon a delicious Mediterranean place, called Crisp, for lunch - if you are ever near the UN headquarters or the Empire State Building I recommend eating there, it's on the corner of 43rd & 3rd. In front of Crisp there was a little street fair going on. I wish I would have had more time to look around because there was some really beautiful jewelry, but I had a meeting at work that I needed to get to (which actually ended up getting canceled, ah well). The fair was in front of the Empire State Building, though, which was my first up close view of the building. Eventually I would like to make it up to the top to check out the view, although I hear the line to the top can get mighty long.

Grand Central Terminal

To get back to work in Harlem I caught the subway from the Grand Central Terminal, and to be honest I imagined it would be a little bit more grand. Still, it is very lovely inside and there were soo many people coming and going - pretty astounding. But my favorite part of Grand Central, by far, was the ceiling. The ceiling of Grand Central is baby blue with the constellations of the night sky strewn across it. The artist, Paul Helleu, painted the zodiac backwards when he was inspired by a medieval manuscript that showed the heavens as they would have been seen from outside the celestial sphere, although some say it was just the painters mistake. I didn't notice many people stop to look up and admire the ceiling, but it is beautiful nonetheless. I'd like to go back when Russell arrives to test out the Whispering Gallery.

After another wonderful day at work, while walking to the subway, I came across a Michael Jackson celebration - one year anniversary of his death. Thriller was playing and there was a children's dance troupe dancing in the middle of a large crowd. I was in the back and couldn't see a damn thing, but one fellow started to bust a move and he ended up being pretty awesome! Too bad I only was able to record the end of his routine (see the video here). Regardless, I love hearing Michael Jackson music whenever I can, and when there are people dancing and singing to it on the streets it's even better!

On the subway ride home I finally got the courage to record some subway bongo drummers (video). I've noticed that drummers are the most common sight to see riding the trains here, although I have also seen dancers, singers, and guitar and accordion players. The bongo players are my favorite, though, because they always say, "This is to make everyone's ride a little bit better and to put a smile on your face." And you know what? They always do put a smile on my face. I'd like to start recording more of the talented people I see on the train, but it is always just a little bit awkward pulling out my camera because you never know when someone might get offended - not everyone wants a video of themselves up on youtube!

Tomorrow, err today by now, is the weekend and I plan to get more NYC exploring in while I can. Maybe a museum visit finally?