Save the World or Feed the Planet

Are there simply too many of us?

Everyone understands that nothing can grow for ever. Yet in little more than a century the world's population has grown exponentially, from around 1.6 billion to more than 8 billion people. That was only possible thanks to unprecedented food security, built on three pillars: pesticides, artificial fertiliser and mechanisation.

But that security comes at a price. Producing artificial fertiliser takes enormous amounts of energy, machines run on fuel, and pesticides damage soil and nature. An estimated half of the world's population now depends on food grown with artificial fertiliser.

In this international documentary, Dr Jamie Goode sets out in search of answers. Goode is a plant scientist by training: he holds a PhD in plant biology and worked as a science editor. As a writer and speaker he makes complex science accessible to a wide audience, including in his books on regenerative agriculture. With a plant scientist's eye, he talks to farmers, researchers, conservationists and policymakers around the world.

Because if we want to return to circular farming, is that even possible with eight billion mouths to feed? And if not, must we then ask the question that almost no one dares to ask out loud? Are there simply too many of us?

Type

International documentary

Status

In development

Genre

International documentary

Presenter

Dr Jamie Goode (PhD in plant biology)

Language

English

Theme

Food, nature and population growth