The articles in question dwell upon such environmental issues as the use of pesticides and other chemicals, biofuel and the development of biotechnology. Thus, it is noted that now scientists and ecologists are concerned with the use of chemicals which should be reduced.
It is pointed out that large companies producing chemicals have always opposed people’s claims concerning the harmfulness of chemicals. The case of Rachel Carson, who wrote the famous Silent Spring, is provided as the example of this opposition. Undoubtedly, now people try to address these problems again. Thus, scientists try to gain the ban of certain pesticides (e.g. neonicotinoid which kills honeybees).
Authors also reveal the perspectives in rice growing. Thus, it is noted that Asian farmers are encouraged to use less pesticides (which kill pests as well as ‘useful’ organisms which can be natural ‘guards’). The farmers are told about advances in rise growing.
Notably, many farmers have acknowledged the advantages of decrease in the use of pesticides. They understood that it is more profitable for them. Of course, it is also beneficial for the environment. The authors also note that large corporations try to oppose such practices. Luckily, governments of Asian countries have also acknowledged the necessity to ban some chemicals.
The articles also deal with some new ways to increase yields without using pesticides. Thus, agroforestry is considered to be a very effective way to manage land. This approach helps to avoid land degradation. Another way to address problems various farmers face is biotechnology.
Thus, one of the articles is concerned with the advantages, downsides, threats and perspectives in this sphere. Admittedly, among the risks the author points out human health concerns, environmental concerns, food system sustainability.
Thus, it is still unclear whether products of biotechnology can be harmful for human health. There are many concerns about sustainability of ecosystems. Finally, researchers claim that biotechnology can jeopardize viability of food system.
Apart from the environmental issues mentioned above, biofuel is still one of the most disputable topics. Thus, it is noted that people have acknowledged the threats of relying on biofuels as this can undermine the sustainability of food system. However, governments consider new approaches.
Thus, many people (officials, biofuel producers, some scientists) claim that biofuel can be grown on numerous degraded areas. However, scientists state that this approach is far too risky as the proponents of this approach do not take into account many factors.
Thus, they do not understand that even degraded land is a part of a larger ecosystem. Besides, locals also manage their land in their own ways (degraded land is also taken into account by them).
It is possible to state that the articles in question raise many important questions to be answered by governments, businesses, scientists, and each individual as well. I think people are on the right track as they have acknowledged that some of their ways are wrongful. Hopefully, people will cease to use chemicals and will find the way to achieve food system sustainability.