Part 2: The Wolf is Loose
The Global Dimming Threat: Implications for Food Security in the New Ice Age
Abstract: The phenomenon of global dimming, caused by increased levels of atmospheric pollutants, has been a significant contributing factor to the onset of the new ice age that is currently affecting our planet. As the Earth’s temperature continues to plummet, food security has become a major concern, particularly in areas that were previously agriculturally productive but are now experiencing extreme cold weather conditions. The destruction of tropical rainforests, such as the Amazon and Indonesia, to make way for farmland has exacerbated the situation. This paper examines the problems posed to global food security by the ongoing ice age and highlights alternative food production methods, such as the use of bugs and underground vertical farms that could provide viable solutions.
Introduction: Global dimming is the reduction in the amount of sunlight reaching the Earth’s surface, caused by an increase in atmospheric pollution. This phenomenon has been shown to have significant impacts on climate and weather patterns, and has been linked to the current ice age that is affecting our planet. As temperatures continue to fall, food security has become a pressing concern. Many areas that were previously able to support large-scale agriculture are now experiencing harsh cold weather conditions that make farming difficult, if not impossible. In addition, the destruction of tropical rainforests, such as the Amazon and Indonesia, to create farmland has contributed to the worsening of this situation.
Problems Posed to Global Food Security: The current ice age is having a severe impact on global food production. As temperatures drop, crops that were once able to thrive in certain regions are no longer able to grow. This has led to significant reductions in yields, and in some cases, total crop failure. In areas where agriculture was a major source of income, such as Indonesia and Brazil, the effects have been particularly devastating. In addition, the destruction of rainforests to make way for farmland has resulted in soil degradation and erosion, further exacerbating the food security crisis.
Alternative Food Production Methods: In light of the challenges posed by the new ice age, it is essential to explore alternative food production methods. One promising option is the use of insects as a protein source. Insects are high in protein, require minimal space and resources to produce, and emit significantly fewer greenhouse gases than traditional livestock. Another possibility is the use of vertical farms built deep underground, where crops can be grown in a controlled environment using aeroponic and aquaponic systems. These farms would be impervious to changes in weather and temperature, and could potentially provide a reliable source of food in the face of global food shortages.
Conclusion: The new ice age poses a significant threat to global food security, particularly in regions that were previously agriculturally productive. The destruction of tropical rainforests to make way for farmland has further compounded the problem. To address this issue, it is essential to explore alternative food production methods such as the use of insects and underground vertical farms. These methods offer promising solutions that could help us ensure a reliable source of food for future generations in the face of changing climate patterns.
Kasun burst into the room, his eyes glinting mischievously. Sabrina was sprawled on the bed, enjoying a lazy siesta after a hearty lunch of rice and curry. Without a word, Kasun placed her computer on the bed and gently shook her awake.
“Hey, you’ve got that important Zoom call in a few minutes, remember?” he said, his voice brimming with enthusiasm.
Sabrina groaned and rubbed her eyes, her mind still foggy from sleep. She gestured to the bottle of water on the bedside table, and Kasun tossed it to her with a smile.
As he made to leave the room, Kasun suddenly stopped short of the doorway, his playful grin widening.
“By the way,” he chuckled, his eyes sparkling with amusement. “You look absolutely prepared to handle this call.”
It was only then that Sabrina realized she had been lounging on the bed in a crocheted bikini, hardly the professional attire for a video conference.
“Get out of here you,” she said, playfully hurling a pillow at him.
Despite the unexpected interruption, Sabrina couldn’t help but feel grateful for Kasun’s irreverent sense of humor, which always kept her on her toes. With a shake of her head and a smile on her lips, she sat up and reached for her computer.
Moderator: Greetings everyone, and welcome to tonight’s discussion on the impact of the approaching ice age on animal life. Joining us tonight is Sabrina, a veterinarian based in Sri Lanka, and Tom, a sub-zero survivalist from Scotland who has experience in breeding dogs for cold weather. Sabrina, could you tell us about your observations on how animals are adapting to the new environment?
Sabrina: Thank you for having me. As a veterinarian in Sri Lanka, I have observed some remarkable changes in the animals around me. Some species are changing shape and growing thicker fur to cope with the colder weather. For example, I’ve noticed that certain bird species are growing more feathers, and some mammals are growing thicker fur to stay warm.
Tom: It’s fascinating to hear about these natural adaptations, but we must also acknowledge that the upcoming ice age will bring about mass extinctions. It’s not the first time that the planet has experienced such an event. We saw it with the dinosaurs during the Cretaceous–Paleogene extinction event. And more recently, we saw it with the Younger Dryas and the Meltwater Pulse.
Sabrina: Yes, that’s a great point. We must prepare for the worst and do what we can to mitigate the impact.
Tom: That’s where artificial selection comes in. As I mentioned earlier, we can breed certain dog breeds to create more resilient animals that can withstand the harsh conditions. Of course, this won’t replace the loss of species, but it’s a start.
Sabrina: That’s true. We must take every measure to help the animals that are better suited to the changing climate survive. And we must also consider alternative food sources for them, such as insects and plants that can thrive in the new conditions.
Moderator: It’s clear that natural and artificial selection will play an essential role in helping animals survive the coming changes. Thank you both for your insights.