Widespread soil degradation, driven by overfarming, climate change, and unsustainable practices, is threatening global food security and causing a surge in grocery prices. The UN’s FAO estimates that over 90 percent of Earth’s soil could be degraded by 2050, resulting in reduced crop yields and increased reliance on costly fertilizers. This soil depletion is directly linked to rising food prices, as seen in the significant increase in the U.S. Consumer Price Index for food since 2016. Experts urge immediate action, advocating for sustainable farming practices and policy changes to protect and restore soil health.
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I often find myself contemplating the photos of the land subsidence in California, specifically in the farm region where the ground is collapsing due to excessive water pumping. The irony of this situation occurring after Tulare Lake’s reappearance is undeniable. It is disheartening to know that the ground under the lake is made of dense clay, incapable of replenishing the aquifer that has been rapidly depleted. The issue at hand is not a recent development; in fact, it has been known for decades that the resource-harvesting practices in this region are unsustainable.
Farmers in California, one of the wealthiest and most politically influential industries in the state, have resisted any suggestions for more responsible water usage.… Continue reading