The Green Revolution
2nd Furnish
Origin
Norman Borlaug, an American scientist in agriculture, began to look at problems in world hunger in less developed countries around the world. After conducting research in Mexico, a highly disease resistant wheat crop was developed. A decade after the discovery, Mexico became self sufficient, and produced a surplus amount of wheat than was needed by its citizens.
Today, thanks to the Green Revolution, Mexico is one of the major exporters of wheat worldwide.
Impact
Critiques
Some say that artificial fertilization is creating a dangerous environment that will make much of the population ill. They mention the fact that through this mass production of crops, water sources in some Less Developed Countries (LDCs) are becoming more scarce.
While artificial fertilization does have negative effects on the environment resulting in sickness, the lack of basic food production results in famine. Environmental effects of the Green Revolution may be seen in the near future; but many of these problems can be avoided through newly developed methods of growing organic crops, using organic fertilizer, modified irrigation systems, and international aid. However, famine is a problem affecting our world today that cannot be solved without the increase of crop yield.
Others say that the excess production of food is leading to overpopulation problems we see in our world today.
This is not true, because in fact, most of today's overpopulation problems are a result of culture, and lack of resources in less developed countries that are simultaneously struggling to feed their population. Overpopulation problems are a result of stages in economic development. The most we can do is help these countries feed their rapidly growing populations, and smooth en their transition into economic sustainability.