Concerns about inflation hitting grocery prices, markdowns on locally sourced peaches, or the constant affordability of bananas often overlook a crucial point, as noted by a Brock University professor specializing in biological sciences and the UNESCO Chair in Community Sustainability: the actual expenses tied to food production are frequently disregarded.
Shoppers seem unaware of the numerous costs such as equipment, seeds, fertilizers, fuel, shipping fees, and farmers’ wages that factor into the price of food.
“Consumers often fail to account for these costs when they opt for cheaper stores,” highlights Vasseur, a member of Brock’s Environmental Sustainability Research Centre. “They don’t realize that their choices can undercut farmers’ livelihoods. How can we expect these farmers to sustain their operations?”
Agricultural practices carry additional burdens. The impact of food production on the environment can be detrimental, primarily affecting the soil’s quality and viability for growing our essential ingredients.
The Importance of Soil Health for Planetary Well-Being
“Inefficient farming methods can lead to both soil erosion and pollution,” states James Campbell, a research associate at Heriot-Watt University’s Research Centre for Carbon Solutions in Edinburgh, Scotland.
“A decline in soil health raises the need for increased fertilizers, pesticides, and fungicides, while poor practices can introduce heavy metals and microplastics into the soil, which can eventually seep into oceans via waterways, causing severe ecological issues,” Campbell warns.
Currently, approximately one-third of the planet’s soil is facing degradation, a trend largely attributed to agriculture, with projections indicating that over 90% could be threatened by 2050, according to the United Nations (UN) Food and Agriculture Organization. This trend jeopardizes not only future food sources but also the overall capacity of our planet to sustain life.
The role of soil in carbon storage is vital for regulating global temperatures. Once degraded, the carbon stored within is released back into the atmosphere, significantly contributing to climate change.
Soil and land degradation also impact the availability of vital resources like water. The UN estimates that around half of the global population is already grappling with the consequences of land surface alterations, resulting in losses of around US$40 trillion in ecosystem services—equivalent to nearly half of the world’s gross domestic product in 2021. This degradation is a major driver of the decline in terrestrial biodiversity.
Enhanced weathering may sound complex, but it refers to a carbon-capture technology utilizing natural processes to enhance soil health and mitigate erosion. This method can also improve ocean alkalinity to counteract acidification.
James Campbell, along with other researchers at the Research Centre for Carbon Solutions, is examining various enhanced weathering methods. These include the application of rock dust for soil remineralization and the introduction of rock particles into the ocean to accelerate natural reactions that reduce acidic carbon dioxide levels.
“Additionally, we are exploring soil remediation techniques, including the use of biochar,” says Campbell. “One of our students is studying the effects of combining enhanced weathering with biochar additions, yielding promising early results, such as improved soil biodiversity and increased crop yields and quality.”
The Relationship Between Soil Health and Oceanic Conditions
The degradation of land and soil also holds severe implications for our oceans. Carbon dioxide emissions from practices like tilling or forest clearing release significant amounts into the atmosphere, which must then be absorbed by oceans—one of the planet’s major carbon sinks. When dissolved, the CO2 turns into carbonic acid, resulting in ocean acidification.
This acidification poses a significant threat to marine ecosystems. Often referred to as the “osteoporosis of the sea,” it results in a reduction of carbonate levels in seawater that shellfish, corals, and crustaceans need to build their shells and structures.
“Consequently, species like lobsters may experience softening shells, leaving them more vulnerable to parasites and other threats,” notes Vasseur.
Consequences of Biodiversity Decline
It’s tempting to presume that if lobster populations dwindle due to parasitic infections affecting their weak shells, humanity would still manage to thrive, given the presence of other fish and crustaceans. However, each time a species encounters difficulties or is lost, the integrity of its entire ecosystem—and, ultimately, the planet’s health—deteriorates, as Vasseur points out.
As ocean temperatures rise and acidity increases, species such as lobsters or cod, which prefer the cooler waters of the North Atlantic, may shift northward to seek out suitable conditions.
“This migration can lead to changes in local marine populations, with an increase in bottom-feeding species and those able to withstand warmer conditions or lower oxygen levels,” says Vasseur. “Invasive species like the green crab, now prevalent along the Atlantic coast, may also gain advantages over more delicate native species.”
These shifts not only alter the marine ecosystem but also have lasting repercussions on human economies, she emphasizes. Healthy ecosystems play a critical role in human survival, yet many are under threat due to human activities.
A United Nations report from 2020 on biodiversity and ecosystem services suggests that a significant proportion—over 25%—of terrestrial, freshwater, and marine species are at risk of extinction, and many face extinction within just a few decades.
Individual Choices and Their Long-Term Impact
These insights present a sobering outlook; however, to alter the current trajectory, we can begin by critically examining our personal choices, particularly those made while grocery shopping, Vasseur suggests.
“We need to incorporate ethics into our considerations. In today’s world, we often overlook these factors, focusing solely on immediate convenience. It’s crucial that we think about the legacy we leave for future generations,” she asserts. “Everything is interconnected. Every action we take has consequences.”
Support Local Producers
Purchasing locally sourced food minimizes transportation distances from farm to table, which typically results in lower carbon emissions. To enhance your impact, consider buying directly from farmers, especially those who practice organic or regenerative farming methods, either at their farm stand or through community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs.
Limit Chemical Use
Reduce reliance on chemicals like fertilizers and pesticides in your gardens and lawns, as they can be detrimental to humans, wildlife, and pets.
Opt for Native Plants over Lawns
Consider replacing traditional grass lawns with native plant species that thrive in your local area, as they require less maintenance and benefit local biodiversity.
Keep Pets Indoors
Cats are effective hunters that pose a risk to birds and small wildlife. By keeping cats indoors, we could potentially save millions of birds and other creatures. For outdoor excursions, consider a collar with a bell to warn local wildlife of their presence.
Source: Government of Canada
This article first appeared in the April 2024 edition of Thewindowsclubs magazine.
