Food shortages could force world into vegetarianism, warn scientists

Source(s): Guardian, the (UK)

Following the droughts in the US and Russia and insufficient monsoon rains in Asia, food prices are soaring and Oxfam and the UN are preparing for the next global food crisis, according to the Guardian. Scientists are urging to adopt a vegetarian diet in order to save water to grow more food in an increasingly climate-erratic world. Five to 10 times more water is needed to produce animal protein-rich food, than for a vegetarian diet. “One third of the world's arable land is used to grow crops to feed animals.”

A report by the Stokholm International Water Institute stated that if the proportion of animal-based foods is limited to 5% of total calories instead of the current 20% calories and considerable regional water deficits can be met by reliable system of food trade, there will be just enough water. Another report, which is also being launched at the World Water Week in Stockholm, argues that instead of large-scale irrigation projects, it is more efficient if small-holders in drought stricken Africa and south Asia are helped out with small pumps.

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