World
World
World
The U.S.-Mexico Tortilla War
Jun 5, 2024 A trade dispute puts a spotlight on food sovereignty, GMOs, a controversial weedkiller, public health, and the fate of Mexico’s iconic flatbread.
Environment
How Big AG Makes Money Polluting America’s Waters
Aug 8, 2023 From water pollution to rising cancer levels, the overuse of fertilizers causes great damage as it makes great profits for Big AG.
A Hotter World Could Also Be a Hungrier One
Jun 20, 2018 A warmer world could mean shrinking harvests and a more meager diet for millions of people, according to two new studies.
Protecting Your Ride From the New Ethanol Blend
Dec 27, 2012 A new policy approved by the EPA will allow states to permit the sale of fuel that contains up to 15 percent ethanol, and the difference could damage your car.
Drought Belts the Breadbasket
Jul 26, 2012 Almost 30 percent of the American Midwest -- the area that produces most of the country’s corn, soybeans and livestock -- is suffering an escalation of its most extreme drought in five decades.
High Food Prices Drive Unrest, Study Says
Aug 22, 2011 An old argument says that full or empty bellies lead to contentment or revolt. Recent research supports that claim, showing that spikes in global food prices have coincided with the surge of social unrest and political instability seen recently in North Africa and the Middle East. (more)
Climate Shift Has Cut Global Wheat Crops, Study Finds
May 8, 2011 A report in the journal Science links temperature changes to a 5.5 percent decline in wheat production worldwide, with drop-offs occurring even in countries where technological efforts have diminished the impact of climate change on crop yields.
Monsanto Dominance Prompts Antitrust Inquiry
Nov 29, 2009 Some 93 percent of soybeans and 80 percent of corn: Those numbers reflect how much of each crop is grown with seeds genetically altered under the patents of agro-giant Monsanto. An antitrust investigation is at hand, as questions about a monopoly status seem not too far off.
World Bank: Biofuel Boom Spiking Food Prices
Aug 1, 2008 A World Bank report, held from public view for several months, finds strong evidence that increased production of biofuels such as ethanol has caused a sharp climb in the price of foodstuffs worldwide. "The report stands as a blistering rebuke to the Bush's administration's unchecked biofuel boosterism," argues environmental writer Tom Philpott.
