Global food supply. Linking policy on climate and food

Food prescription pilots: feasibility, acceptability and affordability of improving diet through menu planning and grocery delivery

BACKGROUND

Lack of adherence is a primary reason people fail to maintain a healthy diet or lose weight. Multiple environmental factors, including aggressive marketing and convenience of nutrient-poor food, undermine people's best intentions. The aim was to assess the feasibility, acceptability and impact of food prescriptions in which participants' exposure to commercial food outlets is reduced, because the groceries are delivered with weekly menu plans and recipes.

METHODS

This is a series of pre-post pilot proof-of-concept studies. We recruited 37 members of Kaiser Permanente interested in improving their diet or losing weight. Weekly meal plans meeting more than 90% of recommended dietary allowances were designed to be low cost, in line with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) allowances. Five separate pilots targeted different populations. Participants were required to provide 24-h dietary recalls (ASA24) before and during the interventions. Weight management pilot participants had height, weight and blood pressure measured before and after 4-week pilots and followed sustainability guidelines, limiting meat and dairy.

RESULTS

Across pilots, the healthy eating index improved (+21.1 points; 95% CI [confidence interval] 15.9, 26.3). For the weight management pilots, most participants lost weight (average 10.3 lbs for men, 5.7 lbs for women; 95% CI -10.2, -5.4). The majority of participants liked the programme and considered it the easiest weight loss programme they ever tried.

CONCLUSIONS

These pilots suggest that meal planning and grocery delivery can be affordable and acceptable and could ultimately have a major impact on diet-related chronic diseases. Longer-term studies are needed to confirm how long compliance will endure.

Optimizing sowing patterns in winter wheat can reduce N2O emissions and improve grain yield and NUE by enhancing N uptake

Increasing nitrogen (N) input is essential to satisfy the rising global wheat demand, but this increases nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions, thereby exacerbating global climate change. Higher yields accompanied by reduced N₂O emissions are essential to synergistically reduce greenhouse warming and ensure global food security. In this study, we conducted a trial using two sowing patterns (conventional drilling sowing [CD] and wide belt sowing [WB], with seedling belt widths of 2-3 and 8-10 cm, respectively) with four N rates (0, 168, 240, and 312 kg ha^-1, hereafter N0, N168, N240, and N312, respectively) during the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 growing seasons. We investigated the impacts of growing season, sowing pattern, and N rate on N₂O emissions, N₂O emissions factors (EFs), global warming potential (GWP), yield-scaled N₂O emissions, grain yield, N use efficiency (NUE), plant N uptake and soil inorganic N concentrations at jointing, anthesis, and maturity. The results showed that sowing pattern and N rate interactions influenced the N₂O emissions markedly. Compared to CD, WB significantly reduced cumulative N₂O emissions, N₂O EFs, GWP, and yield-scaled N₂O emissions for N168, N240, and N312, with the largest reduction seen at N312. Furthermore, WB markedly improved plant N uptake and reduced soil inorganic N compared to CD at each N rate. Correlation analyses indicated that WB mitigated the N₂O emissions at various N rates mainly through efficient N uptake and reduced soil inorganic N. The highest grain yield occurred under a combination of WB and N312, under which the yield-scaled N₂O emissions were equal to the local management (sowing with CD at N240). In conclusion, WB sowing could synergistically decrease N₂O emissions and obtain high grain yields and NUEs, especially at higher N rates.

Effects of nitrogen-enriched biochar on subtropical paddy soil organic carbon pool dynamics

Agronomic management practices present an opportunity to improve the sustainability of crop production, including reductions of greenhouse gas emissions through impacts on soil organic carbon (SOC) dynamics. We investigated the impacts of contrasting application rates of nitrogen (N)-enriched biochar (4 and 8 t ha^-1) on the concentrations of total and active SOC, microbial biomass carbon (MBC), soil aggregates, and the carbon (C) pool management index (CPMI) as an indicator of soil quality in tillering and mature subtropical early and late rice in China. Soil salinity and soil bulk density increased, and soil water content generally decreased under the application of N-enriched biochar at 4 t ha^-1. Following the application of the biochar, there were greater soil concentrations of SOC and lower concentrations of dissolved organic-C and active labile organic‑carbon, indicating reduced mineralization and enhanced stocks of stable-C. Biochar application (4 and 8 t ha^-1) led to lower soil Ca-SOC concentrations and greater soil Fe(Al)-SOC concentrations. Concentrations of Fe(Al)-SOC were greater under the application of N-enriched biochar at 4 t ha^-1, indicating the bonding capacity of iron‑aluminum oxide and organic carbon provided by biochar improved levels of SOC fixation. The composition of soil aggregates under each treatment was mainly micro-aggregates (<0.25 mm). The greater soil content of macro-aggregates (>0.25 mm) increased under amendment with 4 t of biochar ha ^-1 and the greater SOC content led to greater soil aggregate stability. Levels of C pool activity, C pool index, and CPMI reduced following application of the biochar, while C pool activity index increased slightly, indicating an increase in soil quality. These results indicate that the application of N-enriched biochar during rice cultivation may lead to reductions in SOC mineralization and C emissions and increases in soil C sink capacity, due to greater SOC pool stability, thus improving the sustainability of paddy rice production.

Evaluating area-specific adaptation strategies for rainfed maize under future climates of India

This study investigates the spatio-temporal changes in maize yield under projected climate and identified the potential adaptation measures to reduce the negative impact. Future climate data derived from 30 general circulation models were used to assess the impact of future climate on yield in 16 major maize growing districts of India. DSSAT model was used to simulate maize yield and evaluate adaptation strategies during mid (2040-69) and end-centuries (2070-99) under RCP 4.5 and 8.5. Genetic coefficients were calibrated and validated for each of the study locations. The projected climate indicated a substantial increase in mean seasonal maximum (0.9-6.0 °C) and minimum temperatures (1.1-6.1 °C) in the future (the range denotes the lowest and highest change during all the four future scenarios). Without adaptation strategies, climate change could reduce maize yield in the range of 16% (Tumkur) to 46% (Jalandhar) under RCP 4.5 and 21% (Tumkur) to 80% (Jalandhar) under RCP 8.5. Only at Dharwad, the yield could remain slightly higher or the same compared to the baseline period (1980-2009). Six adaptation strategies were evaluated (delayed sowing, increase in fertilizer dose, supplemental irrigation, and their combinations) in which a combination of those was found to be effective in majority of the districts. District-specific adaptation strategies were identified for each of the future scenarios. The findings of this study will enable in planning adaptation strategies to minimize the negative impact of projected climate in major maize growing districts of India.

Post-flowering Soil Waterlogging Curtails Grain Yield Formation by Restricting Assimilates Supplies to Developing Grains

Soil waterlogging is among the major factors limiting the grain yield of winter wheat crops in many parts of the world, including the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River China. In a field study, we investigated the relationship between leaf physiology and grain development under a varying duration of post-flowering waterlogging. A winter wheat cultivar Ningmai 13 was exposed to soil waterlogging for 0 (W0), 3 (W3), 6 (W6), and 9 d (W9) at anthesis. Increasing waterlogging duration significantly reduced flag leaf SPAD (soil plant analysis development) values and net photosynthetic rate (Pn). There was a linear reduction in flag leaf Pn and SPAD as plant growth progressed under all treatments; however, the speed of damage was greater in the waterlogged leaves. For example, compared with their respective control (W0), flag leaves of W9 treatment have experienced 46% more reduction in Pn at 21 d after anthesis (DAA) than at 7 DAA. Increasing waterlogging duration also induced oxidative damage in flag leaves, measured as malondialdehyde (MDA) contents. The capacity to overcome this oxidative damage was limited by the poor performance of antioxidant enzymes in wheat leaves. Inhibited leaf Pn and capacity to sustain assimilate synthesis under waterlogged environments reduced grain development. Compared with W0, W6 and W9 plants experienced a 20 and 22% reduction in thousand grain weight (TGW) in response to W6 and W9, respectively at 7 DAA and 11 and 19%, respectively at 28 DAA. Sustained waterlogging also significantly reduced grain number per spike and final grain yield. Averaged across two years of study, W9 plants produced 28% lesser final grain yield than W0 plants. Our study suggested that wheat crops are highly sensitive to soil waterlogging during reproductive and grain filling phases due to their poor capacity to recover from oxidative injury to photosynthesis. Management strategies such as planting time, fertilization and genotype selection should be considered for the areas experiencing frequent waterlogging problems.

Evolution of Global Food Trade Patterns and Its Implications for Food Security Based on Complex Network Analysis

Global food trade is an integral part of the food system, and plays an important role in food security. Based on complex network analyses, this paper analyzed the global food trade network (FTN) and its evolution from 1992 to 2018. The results show that: (1) food trade relations have increased and global FTN is increasingly complex, efficient, and tighter. (2) Global food trade communities have become more stable and the trade network has evolved from "unipolar" to "multipolar". (3) Over the nearly 30-year period, the core exporting countries have been stable and concentrated, while the core importing countries are relatively dispersed. The increasingly complex food trade network improves food availability and nutritional diversity; however, the food trade system, led by several large countries, has increased the vulnerability of some countries' food systems and brings about unsafe factors, such as global natural disasters and political instability. It is supposed to establish a food security community to protect the global food trade market, address multiple risks, and promote global food security.

Exploring vulnerability and resilience of shipping for coastal communities during disruptions: findings from a case study of Vancouver Island in Canada

Purpose

This study aims to improve understanding of how coastal maritime transport system of Vancouver Island would be disrupted in disaster events, and the strategies could be used to address such risks. Any transport disruption at the maritime leg of the supply chain can affect the needs of vulnerable residents and thus, the supply of many goods to coastal communities.

Design/methodology/approach

This case study focuses on the disruption that can be expected to occur for ferries that serves coastal communities of Vancouver Island in Canada. A landslide scenario in the Fraser River (which connects coastal communities) is developed, and interviews and focus groups are used to gain understanding of the vulnerability and resilience of shipping.

Findings

The findings show that the maritime leg of the supply chain for the coastal communities of Vancouver Island is resilient to a landslide disruption of ferries. Besides, there would be no impact on the operability of tugs and barges. This study also offers suggestions for creating the conditions for increasing resilience of maritime supply chains to any such disruption.

Research limitations/implications

A research gap exists with respect to minimizing disruption in maritime supply chains, mainly in regard to lessening the impact on the vulnerable residents of coastal communities. This study contributes to filling this gap in the literature.

Practical implications

The findings have significant implications for maritime service providers and for people working on disaster preparedness, emergency response and recovery.

Originality/value

Studies which focus on alleviating the impact of disruptions in the maritime supply chains and the mitigation strategies for coastal communities are scarce in the literature.

Valorisation Potential of Using Organic Side Streams as Feed for Tenebrio molitor, Acheta domesticus and Locusta migratoria

Due to increasing welfare and population, the demand for alternative protein sources, obtained with minimal use of natural resources, is rising in today's society. Insects have the potential to be used as an alternative protein source since they are considered to be able to convert low-value biomass into high-value components, resulting in opportunities for valorisation of organic side streams. Moreover, insects are suggested to be a sustainable protein source, referring to the efficient "feed to body" mass conversion potential. The aim of this review was to explore the potential to rear the yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor), the house cricket (Acheta domesticus) and the migratory locust (Locusta migratoria) on low or not yet valorised organic side streams within the food supply chain. This was performed by collecting research information focusing on the rearing of the insects in scope on organic biomass. In addition, the nutritional composition of the produced insects as well as their dietary requirements will be reviewed. Finally, the availability of side streams in the EU will be discussed as well as their potential to be used as insects feed.

The causes of farmland landscape structural changes in different geographical environments

Farmland landscapes are intuitive indicators of the functions of farmland ecosystems. However, geographical differences complicate the spatio-temporal evolutionary characteristics of farmland landscape systems, making them difficult to explore. This creates a series of difficulties in designing farmland management policy in China's diversified geographical environment. This study aims to explore the evolution of laws and dynamic mechanisms of farmland landscape structural changes in different geographical environments at the provincial level in China. A landscape structure classification model at the pixel level was developed using the principles of range attenuation in geographical space and ecological boundary effects to identify the spatial characteristics of the degradation processes in farmland landscapes. A redundancy analysis (RDA) investigated the human and natural causes of farmland landscape degradation processes. The results demonstrate that the farmland landscape systems in Jiangsu Province degraded between the 1980s and 2010 on a spatial gradient with human geography: the beginnings of industrialisation → rapid industrialisation → completion of industrialisation. Degradation manifested temporal and spatial differentiation as follows: fragmentation via the joint activities of invasion from non-agricultural boundaries and internal wedging → fragmentation caused by non-agricultural internal wedging → fragmentation caused by boundary invasion. The core causal factors of degradation were development intensity and the extent of construction land, which indicate changes in socioeconomic development. Industrialisation and rapid urbanisation increased the development intensity of human construction, which disrupted the connections among farmland landscapes through boundary invasions or discontinuous occupations. This subsequent fragmentation of farmland landscape patterns degraded the productive and ecological functions of farmlands. This study indicates that development intensity around agricultural environments should be strictly controlled which would be beneficial for the design of farmland conservation policies and land management in China.

Novel multimodel ensemble approach to evaluate the sole effect of elevated CO2 on winter wheat productivity

Elevated carbon-dioxide concentration [eCO2] is a key climate change factor affecting plant growth and yield. Conventionally, crop modeling work has evaluated the effect of climatic parameters on crop growth, without considering CO2. It is conjectured that a novel multimodal ensemble approach may improve the accuracy of modelled responses to eCO2. To demonstrate the applicability of a multimodel ensemble of crop models to simulation of eCO2, APSIM, CropSyst, DSSAT, EPIC and STICS were calibrated to observed data for crop phenology, biomass and yield. Significant variability in simulated biomass production was shown among the models particularly at dryland sites (44%) compared to the irrigated site (22%). Increased yield was observed for all models with the highest average yield at dryland site by EPIC (49%) and lowest under irrigated conditions (17%) by APSIM and CropSyst. For the ensemble, maximum yield was 45% for the dryland site and a minimum 22% at the irrigated site. We concluded from our study that process-based crop models have variability in the simulation of crop response to [eCO2] with greater difference under water-stressed conditions. We recommend the use of ensembles to improve accuracy in modeled responses to [eCO2].

Contribution of Crop Models to Adaptation in Wheat

With world population growing quickly, agriculture needs to produce more with fewer inputs while being environmentally friendly. In a context of changing environments, crop models are useful tools to simulate crop yields. Wheat (Triticum spp.) crop models have been evolving since the 1960s to translate processes related to crop growth and development into mathematical equations. These have been used over decades for agronomic purposes, and have more recently incorporated advances in the modeling of environmental footprints, biotic constraints, trait and gene effects, climate change impact, and the upscaling of global change impacts. This review outlines the potential and limitations of modern wheat crop models in assisting agronomists, breeders, and policymakers to address the current and future challenges facing agriculture.

Climate change, food, water and population health in China

Anthropogenic climate change appears to be increasing the frequency, duration and intensity of extreme weather events. Such events have already had substantial impacts on socioeconomic development and population health. Climate change's most profound impacts are likely to be on food, health systems and water. This paper explores how climate change will affect food, human health and water in China. Projections indicate that the overall effects of climate change, land conversion and reduced water availability could reduce Chinese food production substantially - although uncertainty is inevitable in such projections. Climate change will probably have substantial impacts on water resources - e.g. changes in rainfall patterns and increases in the frequencies of droughts and floods in some areas of China. Such impacts would undoubtedly threaten population health and well-being in many communities. In the short-term, population health in China is likely to be adversely affected by increases in air temperatures and pollution. In the medium to long term, however, the indirect impacts of climate change - e.g. changes in the availability of food, shelter and water, decreased mental health and well-being and changes in the distribution and seasonality of infectious diseases - are likely to grow in importance. The potentially catastrophic consequences of climate change can only be avoided if all countries work together towards a substantial reduction in the emission of so-called greenhouse gases and a substantial increase in the global population's resilience to the risks of climate variability and change.

Exploring a suitable nitrogen fertilizer rate to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and ensure rice yields in paddy fields

The application rate of nitrogen fertilizer was believed to dramatically influence greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from paddy fields. Thus, providing a suitable nitrogen fertilization rate to ensure rice yields, reducing GHG emissions and exploring emission behavior are important issues for field management. In this paper, a two year experiment with six rates (0, 75, 150, 225, 300, 375kgN/ha) of nitrogen fertilizer application was designed to examine GHG emissions by measuring carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O) flux and their cumulative global warming potential (GWP) from paddy fields in Hangzhou, Zhejiang in 2013 and 2014. The results indicated that the GWP and rice yields increased with an increasing application rate of nitrogen fertilizer. Emission peaks of CH4 mainly appeared at the vegetative phase, and emission peaks of CO2, and N2O mainly appeared at reproductive phase of rice growth. The CO2 flux was significantly correlated with soil temperature, while the CH4 flux was influenced by logging water remaining period and N2O flux was significantly associated with nitrogen application rates. This study showed that 225kgN/ha was a suitable nitrogen fertilizer rate to minimize GHG emissions with low yield-scaled emissions of 3.69 (in 2013) and 2.23 (in 2014) kg CO2-eq/kg rice yield as well as to ensure rice yields remained at a relatively high level of 8.89t/ha in paddy fields.

Appraisal of diversity and functional attributes of thermotolerant wheat associated bacteria from the peninsular zone of India

The biodiversity of wheat associated bacteria was deciphered from the peninsular zone of India. A total of 264 isolated bacteria were analyzed through amplified ribosomal DNA restriction analysis (ARDRA, using three restriction enzymes Alu I, Msp I and Hae III, which led to the clustering of these isolates into 12–16 groups for the different sites at >75% similarity index, adding up to 70 groups). 16S rRNA gene based phylogenetic analysis, revealed that all the bacteria belonged to three phyla Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteria of 32 distinct species of 15 genera namely: Achromobacter, Alcaligenes, Arthrobacter, Bacillus, Delftia, Enterobacter, Exiguobacterium, Klebsiella, Methylobacterium, Micrococcus, Paenibacillus, Pseudomonas, Rhodobacter, Salmonella and Staphylococcus. Representative strains from each cluster were screened in vitro for plant growth promoting traits. Among plant growth promoting activities, siderophore producers were highest (15%), when compared to indole acetic acid producers (13%), Zn-solubilizers (11%), P-solubilizers (11%), ammonia (10%), hydrogen cyanide producers (9%), biocontrol (8%), N₂-fixers (7%), 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate deaminase (6%), GA producers (6%) and K-solubilizers (5%). Among 32 representative strains, Alcaligenes faecalis, Arthrobacter sp., Bacillus siamensis, Bacillus subtilis, Delftia acidovorans, Methylobacterium mesophilicum, Methylobacterium sp., Pseudomonas poae, Pseudomonas putida, and Pseudomonas stutzeri exhibited more than six different plant growth promoting activities at high temperature. Thermotolerant bacterial isolates may have application as inoculants for plant growth promotion and biocontrol agents for crops growing at high temperature conditions.

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions, water use, and grain arsenic levels in rice systems

Agriculture is faced with the challenge of providing healthy food for a growing population at minimal environmental cost. Rice (Oryza sativa), the staple crop for the largest number of people on earth, is grown under flooded soil conditions and uses more water and has higher greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions than most crops. The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that alternate wetting and drying (AWD--flooding the soil and then allowing to dry down before being reflooded) water management practices will maintain grain yields and concurrently reduce water use, greenhouse gas emissions and arsenic (As) levels in rice. Various treatments ranging in frequency and duration of AWD practices were evaluated at three locations over 2 years. Relative to the flooded control treatment and depending on the AWD treatment, yields were reduced by <1-13%; water-use efficiency was improved by 18-63%, global warming potential (GWP of CH4 and N2 O emissions) reduced by 45-90%, and grain As concentrations reduced by up to 64%. In general, as the severity of AWD increased by allowing the soil to dry out more between flood events, yields declined while the other benefits increased. The reduction in GWP was mostly attributed to a reduction in CH4 emissions as changes in N2 O emissions were minimal among treatments. When AWD was practiced early in the growing season followed by flooding for remainder of season, similar yields as the flooded control were obtained but reduced water use (18%), GWP (45%) and yield-scaled GWP (45%); although grain As concentrations were similar or higher. This highlights that multiple environmental benefits can be realized without sacrificing yield but there may be trade-offs to consider. Importantly, adoption of these practices will require that they are economically attractive and can be adapted to field scales.

Brachypodium distachyon and Setaria viridis: Model Genetic Systems for the Grasses

The family of grasses encompasses the world's most important food, feed, and bioenergy crops, yet we are only now beginning to develop the genetic resources to explore the diversity of form and function that underlies economically important traits. Two emerging model systems, Brachypodium distachyon and Setaria viridis, promise to greatly accelerate the process of gene discovery in the grasses and to serve as bridges in the exploration of panicoid and pooid grasses, arguably two of the most important clades of plants from a food security perspective. We provide both a historical view of the development of plant model systems and highlight several recent reports that are providing these developing communities with the tools for gene discovery and pathway engineering.

Nutrients and sediments in surface runoff water from direct-seeded rice fields: implications for nutrient budgets and water quality

Nutrient losses from rice fields can have economic and environmental consequences. Little is known about nutrient losses in surface runoff waters from direct-seeded rice systems, which are common in the United States and increasingly more so in Asia. The objectives of this research were to quantify nutrient losses from California rice fields in surface runoff waters and to determine when and under what conditions losses are greatest. Research was conducted in 10 rice fields varying in residue (burned or incorporated) and water management over a 2-yr period. Concentrations of NH-N and NO-N in runoff water across sites, seasons, and management practices averaged <0.1 mg N L. Runoff water PO-P concentration averaged 0.14 mg L and was not affected by season or straw management practices. However, P fluxes were higher in the winter when rice straw was burned (2.59 kg ha) as opposed to incorporated (0.44 kg ha). Average seasonal runoff water K concentrations did not vary with season and straw management, although they were highest at the onset of the winter season. Average total suspended solids (TSS) concentrations did not vary by season but were highest during the winter in the straw-incorporated fields (46 mg L). Rice fields were sinks for K (4.9 kg K ha) during the growing season. Fields were not significant sources of nutrients or TSS during the growing season; however, during the winter fallow they could be sources of NH-N, P, K, and TSS, especially as water fluxes from fields increased.

Food security and sustainable intensification

The coming decades are likely to see increasing pressures on the global food system, both on the demand side from increasing population and per capita consumption, and on the supply side from greater competition for inputs and from climate change. This paper argues that the magnitude of the challenge is such that action is needed throughout the food system, on moderating demand, reducing waste, improving governance and producing more food. It discusses in detail the last component, arguing that more food should be produced using sustainable intensification (SI) strategies, and explores the rationale behind, and meaning of, this term. It also investigates how SI may interact with other food policy agendas, in particular, land use and biodiversity, animal welfare and human nutrition.

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting agricultural management for climate change in developing countries: providing the basis for action

Agriculture in developing countries has attracted increasing attention in international negotiations within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change for both adaptation to climate change and greenhouse gas mitigation. However, there is limited understanding about potential complementarity between management practices that promote adaptation and mitigation, and limited basis to account for greenhouse gas emission reductions in this sector. The good news is that the global research community could provide the support needed to address these issues through further research linking adaptation and mitigation. In addition, a small shift in strategy by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and ongoing assistance from agricultural organizations could produce a framework to move the research and development from concept to reality. In turn, significant progress is possible in the near term providing the basis for UNFCCC negotiations to move beyond discussion to action for the agricultural sector in developing countries.

Global maize trade and food security: implications from a social network model

In this study, we developed a social network model of the global trade of maize: one of the most important food, feed, and industrial crops worldwide, and critical to food security. We used this model to analyze patterns of maize trade among nations, and to determine where vulnerabilities in food security might arise if maize availability was decreased due to factors such as diversion to nonfood uses, climatic factors, or plant diseases. Using data on imports and exports from the U.N. Commodity Trade Statistics Database for each year from 2000 to 2009 inclusive, we summarized statistics on volumes of maize trade between pairs of nations for 217 nations. There is evidence of market segregation among clusters of nations; with three prominent clusters representing Europe, Brazil and Argentina, and the United States. The United States is by far the largest exporter of maize worldwide, whereas Japan and the Republic of Korea are the largest maize importers. In particular, the star-shaped cluster of the network that represents U.S. maize trade to other nations indicates the potential for food security risks because of the lack of trade these other nations conduct with other maize exporters. If a scenario arose in which U.S. maize could not be exported in as large quantities, maize supplies in many nations could be jeopardized. We discuss this in the context of recent maize ethanol production and its attendant impacts on food prices elsewhere worldwide.

Why do the biotechnology and the climate change debates hardly mix? Evidence from a global stakeholder survey

Despite its potential to address climate change problems, the role of biotechnology is hardly ever touched upon in the global sustainability debate. We wanted to know why. For that purpose, we conducted a global online stakeholder survey on biotechnology and climate change. The relevant stakeholders and their representatives were selected by means of key informants that were familiar with either of the two debates. A self-assessment showed that a majority of respondents felt more familiar with the climate change than the biotechnology debate. Even though the survey results reveal that most respondents consider the potential of modern biotechnology to address climate change to be substantial, the policy network analysis revealed that one stakeholder who is not just considered to be relevant in both debates but also crucial in the formation of global public opinion, strongly rejects the view that biotechnology is a climate-friendly and therefore clean technology. This influential opposition seems to ensure that the biotechnology and the climate change debates do not mix.

Environmental impact of the production of mealworms as a protein source for humans - a life cycle assessment

The demand for animal protein is expected to rise by 70–80% between 2012 and 2050, while the current animal production sector already causes major environmental degradation. Edible insects are suggested as a more sustainable source of animal protein. However, few experimental data regarding environmental impact of insect production are available. Therefore, a lifecycle assessment for mealworm production was conducted, in which greenhouse gas production, energy use and land use were quantified and compared to conventional sources of animal protein. Production of one kg of edible protein from milk, chicken, pork or beef result in higher greenhouse gas emissions, require similar amounts of energy and require much more land. This study demonstrates that mealworms should be considered a more sustainable source of edible protein.

China's crop productivity and soil carbon storage as influenced by multifactor global change

Much concern has been raised about how multifactor global change has affected food security and carbon sequestration capacity in China. By using a process-based ecosystem model, the Dynamic Land Ecosystem Model (DLEM), in conjunction with the newly developed driving information on multiple environmental factors (climate, atmospheric CO2 , tropospheric ozone, nitrogen deposition, and land cover/land use change), we quantified spatial and temporal patterns of net primary production (NPP) and soil organic carbon storage (SOC) across China's croplands during 1980-2005 and investigated the underlying mechanisms. Simulated results showed that both crop NPP and SOC increased from 1980 to 2005, and the highest annual NPP occurred in the Southeast (SE) region (0.32 Pg C yr(-1) , 35.4% of the total NPP) whereas the largest annual SOC (2.29 Pg C yr(-1) , 35.4% of the total SOC) was found in the Northeast (NE) region. Land management practices, particularly nitrogen fertilizer application, appear to be the most important factor in stimulating increase in NPP and SOC. However, tropospheric ozone pollution and climate change led to NPP reduction and SOC loss. Our results suggest that China's crop productivity and soil carbon storage could be enhanced through minimizing tropospheric ozone pollution and improving nitrogen fertilizer use efficiency.

A systems science perspective and transdisciplinary models for food and nutrition security

We argue that food and nutrition security is driven by complex underlying systems and that both research and policy in this area would benefit from a systems approach. We present a framework for such an approach, examine key underlying systems, and identify transdisciplinary modeling tools that may prove especially useful.