Michalopolous, S. (2015, November 20). Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability News: Food industry focuses on sustainable sourcing to mitigate climate change. Retrieved November 23, 2015, from http://www.enn.com/business/article/49169
The global population is expected to rise to 9.7 billion in 2050 according to the UN. This rise will necessitate a 60% increase in the food supply, as well as a 30% increase in the global agricultural demand for water. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change was stated that global warming affects “all aspects of the food security”, and warns of the threat CO2 emissions pose to the future of food. These dangers have led some in the food industry to set up partnerships with farmers who farm sustainably. American food and drink manufacturers are taking other steps towards sustainability as well. They are encouraging their agricultural suppliers to farm sustainably, as well as using recyclable raw materials. Kellogg has said they will support 15,000 small rice farms by 2020, while Pepsico has promised to increase the use of organic fertilizers.
This relates to environmental science because it shows how the interests of the market can align with the interests of the environment. These companies want to continue functioning effectively, and know they cannot do so without sustainable methods of acquiring their raw materials. In order to remain in business and be able to supply coming demand, these companies must find alternative methods. Sustainability is not something that needs to be forced on companies; it is a foregone conclusion that almost all will eventually realize. We have overshot our global carrying capacity, and if these giant companies are successful in obtaining low-cost sustainability, there is hope that the entire United States can as well.
It is great to see major players like Kellogs taking action on this. I agree with you, sustainability is in our best interests, as individuals and as corporations. However, stock holders and others have shorter term visions of profits- any ideas on how to get companies to behave more with longer term interests like Kellogs? How do we encourage that?
I think consumer education and incentives are necessary to make corporations use more sustainable practices. The government could provide tax breaks to environmentally-friendly companies. If these tax breaks can make sustainable products price-competitive and consumers know which products pollute the environment, I believe that many will start choosing the sustainable product.
I think that this is very good that corporate companies like Kellogg and Pepsi will be supporting small farms and using more organic products. If more companies do things like this, then there would be far less problems with CO2 emissions.
The population growth that we currently have requires exponentially increasing amounts of food production. This creates an atmosphere that prioritizes quantity over quality. When large companies support local farms and organic foods, it is a step in the right direction.