Summary of A Menu of Foods We Might Lose Forever | Sam Kass | TED

Summary

The video presented by Sam Kass discusses the potential loss of various foods due to climate change, emphasizing the urgency of addressing environmental issues related to agriculture. Kass outlines the implications of climate change on food production and the broader consequences for society.

Key Scientific Concepts and Discoveries

Impact of Climate Change on Agriculture:
- For every 1 degree Celsius of warming, the yield of staple crops like wheat may decline by 7.5%.
- By reaching 2 degrees of warming, a significant portion of wheat production will occur under persistent drought conditions, escalating food insecurity and malnutrition.
Specific Food Threats:
- Fruits and Nuts: Severe declines in crops like peaches and almonds are predicted, with a notable loss of 95% of the Georgia peach crop in the previous year.
- salmon: Warming rivers and reduced snowpack threaten salmon populations, with predictions indicating a 50% reduction in river flow by 2050.
- Chocolate: Cocoa production regions may become unsuitable for cultivation due to increased temperatures and dryness, leading to potential extinction of cocoa varieties.
- coffee: Similar to cocoa, half of the current coffee-growing regions could become unviable, with a significant number of wild coffee varieties facing extinction.

Methodology and Solutions

Addressing Food System Challenges:
- Reduction of Environmental Impact: Recognizing food as a major driver of biodiversity loss, deforestation, and greenhouse gas emissions.
- Adaptation and Resilience: Preparing the food system for extreme volatility due to climate change.
- Carbon Sequestration: Utilizing nature-based solutions to sequester carbon, with a focus on innovative agricultural practices.
Innovative Technologies:
- Loam Bio: A company developing fungi microbes that enhance soil carbon storage.
- Inari Agriculture: Utilizing modern breeding techniques to increase crop yields while minimizing chemical inputs.

Conclusion

Kass emphasizes the importance of immediate action to address these challenges, encouraging collective efforts to ensure future generations can enjoy a diverse and sustainable food system.

Featured Researchers/Sources

Sam Kass (Presenter)
Loam Bio (Company)
Inari Agriculture (Company)

Notable Quotes

— 07:30 — « It is fundamentally our ability to pass to the next generation a better life than we were given, a life that is as rich and delicious as the one we've been lucky enough to have. »

— 07:48 — « The good news is, on our plates really does hold some of the biggest both problems but also potential to solve these challenges of anywhere that we have. »

— 08:41 — « So we must figure out how to reduce the negative impacts the system is having on our planet. Full stop. »

— 10:50 — « If we have our plan and we feel comfortable, like, 'This feels about right, I'm doing my thing,' then we're simply not doing enough. »

— 11:28 — « But I know that we can look back, and collectively say to ourselves, 'We stood up and met the moment, and we ensured that our kids and that our grandkids will be able to enjoy a delicious meal like the one we’re having here tonight.' »