climate change, energy and food production- Dail Debate November 2007

Posted on November 21, 2007 at 02:44 PM

A Ceann Comhairle

I wish to address my contribution to the correlation between climate change, energy

production and the demand for food.

There is a danger that the technological advances in agriculture that have

dramatically increased crop yields over the past 50 years could be eroded due to the

real and present danger attributable to climate change.

Agriculture is still highly dependent on climate.

Solar radiation, temperature, and precipitation are the main drivers of crop growth.

Energy production too is a function of crop growth.

It is therefore obvious that any significant change in climate on a global scale will

impact on local agriculture and thereby affect the world's food supply and energy

supply.

I think it is important for this house to discuss the correlation between climate

change and energy security in the context of food production.

According to an article in The Guardian newspaper (November 3) and I quote "

Record world prices for most staple foods have led to 18% food price inflation in

China, 13% in Indonesia and Pakistan, and 10% or more in Latin America, Russia and

India, according to the UN Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO). Wheat has

doubled in price, maize is nearly 50% higher than a year ago and rice is 20% more

expensive, says the UN. Next week the FAO is expected to say that global food

reserves are at their lowest in 25 years and that prices will remain high for years."

The article also states that "Boycotts have become commonplace. Argentinians

shunned tomatoes during the recent presidential election campaign when they became

more expensive than meat. Italians organised a one-day boycott of pasta in protest at

rising prices. German leftwing politicians have called for an increase in welfare

benefits so that people can cope with price rises."

So the question is; "why is this happening now and what is the cause?

To my mind the answer is simple.

Increases in food price rises stem from an increase in oil prices.

Record oil prices are forcing a flight out of food production to in favour of energy

production.

US farmers are switching out of cereals to grow biofuel crops.

Coupled with this, extreme weather conditions and growing demand from countries

like India and China is causing a serious spike in grain and rice demand.

It is estimated that the competition for grain between the world's 800 million

motorists and its 2 billion poorest people, who are simply trying to survive, is

emerging as the epic battle of our times!!!

I believe the Government cannot produce a motion on Climate Change and Energy

production without factoring in Food Production and its effect on energy security.

Climate change over the next century has already begun to have serious effects on

food supply.

Policy makers in this country will need to adjust their thinking. It is my view that we

can achieve self-sufficiency in the area of grain production to meet this countries

demand.

This must be done in a way that meets security of energy supply and security of food

supply.

If the US is seeking to reduce petrol demand by 20% by 2017, then we must wake up

and take note in this country.

We now have a scenario where oil price increases create a demand for food for energy

production.

Climate Change and inclement weather patterns are forcing a spike in food prices due

to a demand for bio-fuels.

Bio-fuels from grain production is going through an unprecedented demand. This has

serious permutations for third world farmers.

Oxfam has already warned that the EU policy of substituting 10% of all car fuel with

biofuels threatened to displace poor farmers in third countries.

Changes in climate are causing a catastrophe which is forcing the price of food upwards.

One economic analysis, which is an optimistic one, would see markets automatically

readjust to food shortages, as higher grain prices make it more profitable once again

to grow crops for people rather than cars.

If we are serious about this issue in Ireland then we must harness existing resources

such as wind and tidal power.

I believe that we, as a nation, must subscribe to a philosophy of ensuring food security.

We must endeavour to encourage greater food production domestically to offset growing demand.

There is a growing body of opinion which assumes we can become self-sufficient in grain production.

We must examine this possibility, for both food and energy production into the future.

We must become part of the scientific analysis that seeks new crop varieties that will

adapt to changing climactic conditions.

We have to encourage a slowdown in population growth globally. I do not subscribe

to a Malthusian analysis that puts forward the idea that population growth will

outstrip agricultural growth.

I believe that regulation and rational human behaviour can keep this scenario from

occurring.

We have to wake up to the fact that if the price of oil rises further it will make

fertilisers and transport more expensive, and at the same time make it more profitable

to grow biofuel crops.

In the past year alone, the cost of food in this country has risen by 4.4%.

The era of cheap food is over. Milk and Flour has increased by between 16 and 17%

respectively.

If we are to get the equation right, then we must strike a balance between ensuring

energy supply while also ensuring food supply.

The flight to Bio-fuels must not come at the expense of food production.

To conclude, Government's of the future and I don't expect much from this

government, will have to regulate human behaviour and demand for

energy will have to be curbed.

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