Environmental issues can occur through harmful aspects of human activity on the environmental or even effects of climate on plants and animals. Locally grown food and climate variation among invasive species fit into these particular areas of issues. There is such discussion on whether we should shop from locally grown markets, or whether to shop for produce in a grocery store. This rises many topics on the idea the locally grown food is more beneficial versus grocery bought produce, which plays a huge factor in health concerns. Also, some claim its economically better for the environment, while others protest that instead of profiting from these sales the increase in prices rises a bigger concern. Also another issue that occurs is whether climate variation is good or harmful to invasive species. This in such manner brings the topic of discussion whether if they are raised in a controlled climate variation would the invasive species thrive or essentially die. Also when factoring in these variations you must in fact factor in the normal day to day natural occurrences expected from the invasive species. With these two debates given we will in turn look into the advantages and disadvantages of both, to gain a better perspective of each .
Statement 1
Based on the expectation that the world’s population will reach 9 billion in the next 40 years, and the need for food will strain international cooperation, the international community should resolve to use locally available food resources only to sustain local populations. There are several benefits of buying locally such as: taste, freshness, financial benefits, reducing selling of land, genetic diversity, protection of environment, and health. When buying from local farms this will benefit the farmer and the community financially. According to Famers Market Authority, “today’s farmers receive less than 10 cents of the retail food dollar”. If farmers sell produce directly to the consumer then this potentially cuts out the middle man, which in turn creates a higher profit for the farmer (Famers Markey Authority). After, the farmer in turn moves their profits through the community with a local dealer, which creates a cycle that helps build a stronger local economy. If the farmer is profiting from their sells this decreases the probability that they will have to sell their land for development. The only way the agricultural landscape is able to thrive is if the farmer is profitable (Farmers Market Authority). “Family farms that are well taken care of value the fertile soil and clean water”, says Farmers Market Authority. The most important reason cover crops are grown is to prohibit decay, to change the nutrients, and to conquer release. Locally grown food is essentially healthier and is said to be better tasting, this is based on the fact that the produce was most likely collected within a few days, this gives the produce a crispy, yet fresh taste. Eating healthy strengthens your health and family’s health along with your community as well. Along with health locally grown produce helps to protect genetic diversity. According to Farmers Market Authority, “there is little genetic diversity in the produce grown to meet commercial standards”. Local farmers that sell to local grocery stores and restaurants are able to create a large amount of produce. With this local farming protects our environment, because it doesn’t require much traveling, reduces carbon dioxide emissions and packing materials. By choosing to buy locally grown produce it aids in making the farm successful and the trade of farmland for the use of expansion is less (Farmers Market Authority). However, knowing where your food is produced has to be the biggest advantage and the way it is grown ensures you to pick safe food.
Farmers Market Authority. (n.d.). Retrieved October 21, 2015.
Along with most things in the world, despite all the advantages there are several disadvantages to buying locally grown food. Believing that just because the food is locally grown does not necessarily mean that it is completely environmentally friendly. If the equipment or supplies must be shipped in to make the product, this can offset the benefit of making or growing the product locally. (Marcos Cordero) A greater disadvantage is that locally grown food is buring holes in the pocket. (Rajib Singha) In shorter terms local food is essentially a very pricey process. This is due to that most farmers do not own businesses, and also that most are family oriented, meaning that if they sell their goods for a lower price is not a profitable deal. Along with this energy and efficiency become concerns as well, potentially causing more disadvantages to local business. In more specific terms, some areas of the country have created a more developed alternative energy sources, including wind and solar power. Due to these alternative energy sources local farms and manufacturers are not always able to profit off this green energy, however some manufacturers are able to profit making their products greener. (Marcos Cordero) If one was to consider poor countries, they export mainly fruits and vegetables. Because of this the entire population in the West avoid buying imported fruits like bananas or mangoes, or other vegetables, this could affect such countries. (Rajib Singha) So, a possible repercussion of this could occur in the form of these countries abandoning production of fruits and vegetables and resorting to growing products like coffee, or beef. (Rajib Singha) This could cause the price of healthy fruits and vegetables to increase and the price of chips etc. go down. Another disadvantage that can surface with local food, is the subject of regulation or certification. (Rajib Singha) Due to the fact farmers that own small farms are not regulated, meaning that one may not know what its labeled as organic fruits or vegetables, whether they are organic or not. (Rajib Singha)
Local Food and its Disadvantages. (2011, June 30). Retrieved October 21, 2015.
Green Business Bureau – Green Business Certification. (n.d.). Retrieved November 10, 2015.
Statement 2
According to Anna Szyniszewska, invasive species are normally classified as a non-native plant, animal or other organism that defeats the encountered ecosystem and disables its function and structure. Regional impacts of climate change, include warmer temperatures, decrease in precipitation, and increasing levels of carbon dioxide can affect how and where the invasive species migrate and colonize (Aaryn Olsson). A reason invasive species can benefit from climate change is due to their ability to adapt. The temperatures and carbon dioxide levels in the Southwest can help some invasive species to enlarge in new areas, demanding action from land managers, farmers, ranchers, and those that require outdoor recreation. Invasive species tend to do better in ecosystems that are disturbed by natural occurrences, like fires, human damage due to human activity, such as logging, ranching, farming, and urban expansion (Aaryn Olsson). As the land health changes due to the climate, invasive species could be able to colonize new geographic areas. The climate changes could mean travel pathways between those of previous geographic areas, in turn increasing the potential for species to interchange. Changing the precipitation pattern will allow invasive species to colonize new areas. As the temperatures rises, landscapes that are protected against invasive due to cold temperatures could be potentially become targets for invading species.
Invasive Species & Climate Change. (n.d.). Retrieved October 21, 2015
Invasive Species. (n.d.). Retrieved October 21, 2015.
However, with advantages there comes disadvantages, like a decrease in rain could cause invasive species to die off. The adjustments in the temperature and precipitation has an extreme significance on the geographic areas of different species. A lot of scientist tend to agree that climate change will alter destination habitat and increase vulnerability to invasion because of resource scarcity and the increased competition among native fauna and flora. (Anna Szyniszewska) This becomes significantly damaging to produce, production, the habitat, and general health. Through an ecological perspective, species become especially hard for biodiversity protection, and could potentially cause native species to become extinct (Anna Szyniszewska). Invasions are an extreme risk from an economic perspective, because their mitigation creates very high costs, particularly when they are protecting agriculture. By preventing the circulation of invasive species with additional inexperienced territory, requires the realization of the species that cause a threat to certain ecosystems. The biggest issue here is with the rapid and independent generation in the invasive species. With this we come to the conclusion, that if atmospheric conditions occurred, then unskilled invasive species would have the chance to scatter into a novel altitude region. Once the invasive species is secured, then critical arrangements for domination and authority will become a necessity.
Invasive Species & Climate Change. (n.d.). Retrieved October 21, 2015