Section 1: TRACK 3
The Threat of Massive Hunger
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Track 3: The Threat of Massive Hunger
The demand for food of a growing population and the diminishing supply threaten acute global food shortages in the near future. Climate change worsens the prospect. Thus far high tech solutions have worsened the problem, e.g. by exterminating bees. This track will consider urgent near-term changes in policy and positive steps individual and communities can take to feed themselves.
Track Heads
Evaggelos Vallianatos
Evaggelos Vallianatos is the author of many highly acclaimed novels that focus on the growing need to pay attention to the frightening ways humanity is causing destruction to the planet. Most recently, his book Poison Spring takes a hard look at the collusion between the the Environmental Protection Agency and the petrochemical industry. This timely novel details his experiences working for the EPA from 1979-2004, where he witnessed the systematic undermining of the agency by the powerful petrochemical industry. Vallianatos currently lives and writes in Claremont, California. Evaggelos Vallianatos is a man that has been unafraid to speak out against dangerous agencies and industries that would place profit over the health of the planet and all that share it. In an article from January of 2013, Evaggelos Vallianatos gives some sage advice, “”The United States must either regulate or ban the myriad untested petrochemicals in our environment. End the exploitation of the natural world for fossil fuels: ban destructive fishing practices and stop chemical pollution. Return to family farms where animals and crops are raised together. Use its enormous scientific and technological skills to seek energy from the sun and, otherwise, create the standards for environmental and economic sustainability for its industry and society. Such a model might diminish the peril from global warming and, in fact, might save the world.”
Postings from Seizing an Alternative
- John Culp, “Political Collapse and the Alternative” track summary.
- Joseph C. Hough’s presentation, Chris Hedges on the Coming Collapse of Nations and the World.
Suggested Resources
Links to Section-related books and media for pre-conference preparation include:
