Note to readers: My apologies that this is a considerably longer essay than I usually write on this substack. I guess I had a lot to say on this one. I will try to get back to shorter pieces next time! Folks from the UK (and activists from beyond) have likely heard of
Fascinating and brilliantly written, thank you. My former life (MSc Environmental Management and environmental consultant) crosses with my current life (food writer and smallholder) in exactly this area - such tricky navigation of what might be at least part of the way forward, of what the avenues are to pursue, and I very much agree with the spirit of the coda - we need all the bright minds we can get, disagreeing and testing things constructively. Thanks again
Great piece. I really appreciate following the thread of GM's vision of the food system to various root causes. The attention to the "who feeds the world?" debate is as important as ever and clearly intersects with values over different forms of knowledge production. GM's claim to authority in questions of the food system has always been irksome and I think your exploration of these question reaffirms the need for humility. I don't think GM is alone. The type of food system-as-spreadsheet appears increasing seductive for a subsection of environmentalists. Unfortunately, I worry this over simplified approach to land use in an era of climate pressure also draws political allies. I wrote about this here: https://www.greeneuropeanjournal.eu/can-agriculture-and-biodiversity-coexist/ and here: https://adamcalo.substack.com/p/land-sparers-feel-their-oats
"I recall a newsletter writer in Oxford who used to regularly refer to George as ‘the Greatest Living Englishman’ . He may well be right - Personally I quite like the guy." Actually, he is wrong. Mr Monbiot is Jewish.
Fascinating and brilliantly written, thank you. My former life (MSc Environmental Management and environmental consultant) crosses with my current life (food writer and smallholder) in exactly this area - such tricky navigation of what might be at least part of the way forward, of what the avenues are to pursue, and I very much agree with the spirit of the coda - we need all the bright minds we can get, disagreeing and testing things constructively. Thanks again
Thanks for article. I do believe that the 70% claim is exaggerated. I elaborate on it here: https://gardenearth.substack.com/p/small-farms-dont-produce-70-of-the
Great piece. I really appreciate following the thread of GM's vision of the food system to various root causes. The attention to the "who feeds the world?" debate is as important as ever and clearly intersects with values over different forms of knowledge production. GM's claim to authority in questions of the food system has always been irksome and I think your exploration of these question reaffirms the need for humility. I don't think GM is alone. The type of food system-as-spreadsheet appears increasing seductive for a subsection of environmentalists. Unfortunately, I worry this over simplified approach to land use in an era of climate pressure also draws political allies. I wrote about this here: https://www.greeneuropeanjournal.eu/can-agriculture-and-biodiversity-coexist/ and here: https://adamcalo.substack.com/p/land-sparers-feel-their-oats
"I recall a newsletter writer in Oxford who used to regularly refer to George as ‘the Greatest Living Englishman’ . He may well be right - Personally I quite like the guy." Actually, he is wrong. Mr Monbiot is Jewish.