Assessment #2
docx
keyboard_arrow_up
School
Rutgers University *
*We aren’t endorsed by this school
Course
170
Subject
Geography
Date
Dec 6, 2023
Type
docx
Pages
2
Uploaded by GrandResolveShark4
Tim DeAndrea
Plants & People
10/29/2023
Question 1 (50 pts)
Plants and agriculture are a mixed bag when it comes to impacts and climate change. There are
many things that agriculture does that contributes to climate change in a negative way and other
things have a mitigating or positive effect. But what about you? Describe one thing that you can
do, related to climate changes and how you use plants, that would have a mitigating (positive)
impact on climate change. Support your answer.
As a college student, there are several ways I can play a part in mitigating climate
change through plants and agriculture, even if I'm not directly involved in producing crops like
farmers. First, I can make sustainable food choices. Opting for locally sourced, seasonal, and
plant-based foods in my diet can reduce the carbon footprint associated with food production
and transportation. The reason plant based diets are so helpful for climate change is the amount
of water and energy required to make a plant based meal is significantly less than a meat based
meal. By supporting sustainable food practices on campus and in my personal life, I can help
create demand for climate-friendly agricultural practices. This not only contributes to my
personal carbon reduction efforts but also encourages sustainable practices in the food industry.
Additionally, I can engage in advocacy and education efforts. College students have a
powerful voice and can influence policy changes and raise awareness about climate-friendly
agriculture. By participating in environmental clubs, organizing awareness campaigns, or
advocating for sustainable food options in campus cafeterias, I can contribute to a larger
movement for change. I can also attend workshops and seminars to educate myself on the
latest developments in sustainable agriculture and share this knowledge with my peers, creating
a ripple effect of awareness and action. This activism can lead to systemic changes in how
institutions source and serve food, making a tangible impact on the environment. Overall there
are many ways that I can change my current lifestyle to help decrease my negative impact on
climate change.
Question 2 (50 pts)
Session Five was about greenhouse structures or controlled environments. Some people feel
that in the next 50 years, controlled structures will be the place where more of our plant-based
food comes from. Please read the short article at
https://www.agritecture.com/blog/2019/11/5/the-potential-and-pitfalls-of-controlled-environment-
agriculture and share your thoughts.
The article underscores the potential of controlled environmental agriculture (CEA) to
revolutionize traditional farming practices. By combining innovative approaches, such as vertical
farming and the use of LEDs, with data-driven adjustments, CEA can significantly enhance crop
productivity and reduce environmental impact. The shift toward sustainable, local food
production reduces the carbon footprint associated with long-distance food transportation. Not
only that, it also emphasizes the importance of producing staple crops like potatoes and wheat
in controlled environments. The article introduces us to a world where microalgae and
fermented bacteria-based supplements could replace soybean as animal feed and human food
sources, promising reduced water usage and resource efficiency. It's clear that these
groundbreaking approaches offer substantial environmental benefits and economic potential,
especially when it comes to feeding the global population in a sustainable manner.
Nevertheless, the article reminds us that while CEA is a promising step forward, it's not a
one-size-fits-all solution. Traditional and alternative farming methods need to be tailored to
specific geographical, economic, social, and cultural contexts. The challenge of feeding a
projected global population of 9.7 billion by 2050 is immense, and various sustainable farming
techniques will be necessary to meet this demand. CEA can be particularly valuable for specific
crops and situations, such as high-value, water-intensive, or long-distance transport crops.
Ultimately, the key takeaway is that a multifaceted approach to sustainable agriculture is
required. By incorporating innovative methods and rethinking what and how we grow, we can
make significant strides toward a more environmentally friendly and resource-efficient food
system. It's essential to continue exploring and developing these new approaches while
adapting them to diverse local contexts to address the complex challenges associated with food
production and global population growth.
Question 3: Bonus Question (3 pts)
When you shop for a watermelon, what do you do to determine if it is a good watermelon? (You
can answer this question in 3-5 sentences).
When looking for a watermelon the first thing I do is pick one up and examine the outer
skin, looking for rotten spots or odd colors. Usually I start with the biggest one, but that’s mostly
because I like a lot of watermelon. After that I give it a “knock-test” like knocking on a doorknob
and listen to see if the melon sounds hollow. Not really sure why but my mom and Grandmother
always said if it sounds hollow it’s a good watermelon. That’s usually it, once I find a good
looking and sounding watermelon I go buy and eat it.
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help