December 15, 2014

Big Ideas and Emerging Innovations

 REUTERS/Nacho Doce

World Without Water: Six Solutions to a Shortage
The World Bank is planning to devote up to $5 billion a year to try to fix the problem of water, a vital resource that has long been poorly managed or taken for granted. The search for solutions to uneven and inadequate water supply has already led to improvements in irrigation, desalination, and wastewater recycling, and is spurring development of innovative technologies such as waterless fracking in the energy industry and more water-saving devices at home. But the scale of the problem remains vast.

Fears of a Bright Planet
Shiny things absorb less heat when left in the sun; this means that if the Earth could be made a little shinier it would be less susceptible to global warming. Ways to brighten it are the province of “geoengineering.” The small band of scientists which has been studying this subject are now proposing outdoor experiments—using seawater-fed sprayers to churn out particles of the exact size needed to brighten clouds, or spewing sulphur particles from underneath a large balloon 20km up in the sky.

Combating Food Waste by Feeding the Planet
The issue of hunger in communities across America affects us all, and thanks to Bill Emerson and his legislation we can do something about it. So take a look through your fridge, and explore the idea of donating food. If you own a restaurant or grocery store look into sending excess products to local non-profit organizations. You may not only be saving the planet, but may also save a life.

Traditional Foods Make a Comeback
While the world’s food systems have lost 75% of their biodiversity in the past 100 years, scientists are starting to recognize the treasure trove of genetic diversity present in traditional and wild plant varieties. Biodiversity can lead to more nutritious diets, and is also a key asset for mitigating the risks presented by climate change, according to the FAO. Social entrepreneurs have begun to revive many traditional foods using new marketing techniques.

About

The Global Food and Agriculture Program aims to inform the development of US policy on global agricultural development and food security by raising awareness and providing resources, information, and policy analysis to the US Administration, Congress, and interested experts and organizations.

The Global Food and Agriculture Program is housed within the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, an independent, nonpartisan organization that provides insight – and influences the public discourse – on critical global issues. The Council on Global Affairs convenes leading global voices and conducts independent research to bring clarity and offer solutions to challenges and opportunities across the globe. The Council is committed to engaging the public and raising global awareness of issues that transcend borders and transform how people, business, and governments engage the world.

Support for the Global Food and Agriculture Program is generously provided by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Blogroll

1,000 Days Blog, 1,000 Days

Africa Can End Poverty, World Bank

Agrilinks Blog

Bread Blog, Bread for the World

Can We Feed the World Blog, Agriculture for Impact

Concern Blogs, Concern Worldwide

Institute Insights, Bread for the World Institute

End Poverty in South Asia, World Bank

Global Development Blog, Center for Global Development

The Global Food Banking Network

Harvest 2050, Global Harvest Initiative

The Hunger and Undernutrition Blog, Humanitas Global Development

International Food Policy Research Institute News, IFPRI

International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center Blog, CIMMYT

ONE Blog, ONE Campaign

One Acre Fund Blog, One Acre Fund

Overseas Development Institute Blog, Overseas Development Institute

Oxfam America Blog, Oxfam America

Preventing Postharvest Loss, ADM Institute

Sense & Sustainability Blog, Sense & Sustainability

WFP USA Blog, World Food Program USA

Archive












Feeding A Hungry Urban World

Dan Glickman and Doug Bereuter discuss the importance of US leadership in feeding a rapidly urbanizing world.