CSS 330 World Food Crops

Week 10 (Unit 18)

World Food Crops and Food Security

Study Questions

1) Review the 12 myths about hunger and the arguments against them. In your opinion, do you think they are myths or reality? Why?

2) What factors have contributed to the decline in the world population growth rate in recent years?

3) Identify the important greenhouse gases and at least one potential source of each. Be able to describe some of the ways that global warming may impact agriculture.

4) What is the Kyoto Protocol? Has the USA endorsed it?

5) What is the objective of “carbon sequestration”? Has the US government endorsed this concept?

6) What are important components of a sustainable crop production system?

7) Review the pros and cons of biotechnology. What do you think are the strongest points for each side?

8) What is the essence of the “Precautionary Principle”?

9) Read about the four alternative crops discussed in lecture. What are the unique features of each that give them potential as new food crops?

10) Choose one of the agencies combating hunger that you would support if you were rich and philanthropic. What was the basis for your selection?