backback ecoglobe basics Population, Food, GMOs, and "Malthus"
Malthus "GMOs - Genetically Modified Organisms" are needed to feed future populations."

"Malthus was wrong.
We can produce enough food for growing populations."
Food: All living beings require food - to grow and to function. An adult man needs about 2500 kcal (1 kWh) daily, of which he can use a third for productive work. Two thirds are needed to sustain the body. (energy)
More people need more food. All food is converted solar power, through photosynthesis and chemical energy accumulation in the plants and animals that we eat.
All living beings also require chemical elements, such als salt, phosporus, nitrogen, carbon, iron, etc. Plants get these elements from the soils and the air. Animals and humans obtain them by eating the plants.
One aim of GMOs is to increase crop yields. Higher yields require more plant nutrients. The core principle of limits applies: Stocks of fertiliser and areas of fertile land are limited. So food production cannot be increased infinitely.

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References:

  • 66/2008 Peak Oil - "The Long Emergency" & "A Post-Oil Man"
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