Production of Eat is the main reason for the loss of Biodiversity around the world and a study identified that about a third Agriculture It is produced in high priority areas for its conservation.
The production of foods such as beef can have a large carbon footprint, but the same is not known about the impact of staple foods on biodiversity loss. A team of researchers publishes a study in PNAS that addresses this problem.
specialist in Norway, Netherlands And Japan used spatial models in 197 countries that included data on conservation of 48 agricultural products and 7,143 species to assess conflicts between the two variables.
One pattern that emerged was that some commodities, such as beef, rice and soybeans, were produced in areas of high priority for conservation.
In addition, other basic products, such as corn, sugarcane And this rubber They are also problematic and deserve more attention from policymakers.
However, substitute products, such as barley and wheat, came mainly from low-risk areas.
In addition, low-impact staples such as sugar beet, millet, and sunflower are unlikely to be grown in places that conflict with conservation goals.
One of the study’s signatories, Daniel Moran, said, “What surprised me most was how much the effect of the same crop can vary depending on its origin.” Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU).
Beef and soybeans are grown in high conservation priority areas Brazil, but not in North America. Similarly, the wheat It is cultivated in areas of low priority for conservation. Eastern Europe compared to Western Europe,
Soybeans and cattle pose higher conservation priorities in Central and South America than in North America and Africa, while coffee and cocoa are mostly grown in high priority conservation areas in equatorial countries, but are largely consumed in wealthier countries. is done.
globally, ChinaWith its high demand for many commodities, high priority conservation areas have the greatest impact on food production.
“Food production remains the main cause of biodiversity loss,” said Keiichiro Kanemoto of the Research Institute for Humanity and Nature (RIHN) in Kyoto, Japan.
The authors hope that these results will help design policies that protect biological diversity while protecting biodiversity food security World.
“Our lifestyles are causing dangerous damage to the atmosphere and water supplies. Farmers and governments around the world are seeking policies that maintain prosperity while minimizing irreversible damage to the environment.
