The future of water resources largely depends on food production. agriculture in a big sizeTraditional dry agricultural lands with irrigation technology and reducing costs, a very profitable agricultural industry but with an enormous environmental and social impact. A study conducted by the Supreme Scientific Research Council (CSIC) found that large-scale intensive agriculture is a threat to arid regions.
The study, published in the journal ‘Water Resources Management’ and participated by scientists from three Spanish universities (Alicante, Politécnica de Madrid and Católica de Murcia), analyzed water resources. social, economic and environmental consequences greenhouse agriculture in arid regionstaking as a model AlmeriaIt is one of the critical points in the world in fruit and vegetable production.
Researchers have previously found that studies of food systems that depend on groundwater are fragmented. “On the one hand, hydrology focuses on water resources and ignores agricultural processes on the surface. Meanwhile, The agricultural economics sector is obsessed with optimizing resource use to maximize short-term profits.“, the report states.
“In conclusion, These traditional approaches ignore many negative environmental and social consequences.“adds the text. According to the authors, it is imperative to “prioritize the integration of this collective knowledge” to guide the use of resources and food systems in a new direction.
“We discovered the significant profitability and environmental and social impacts of the model. unequal distribution of wealth, precarious working conditions And Depletion and pollution of groundwater reserves“, points out scientists.
unsustainable development
Solutions? Reduce water usage And limiting the development of new irrigated areas, Use product types that adapt to available water sources And Empowering farmers against large distributors “are essential measures to prevent the social and economic collapse of this region and other drylands. unsustainable development similar,” they warn.
The need for these changes is becoming increasingly urgent. The effects of climate change continue to increase. In this content, Groundwater reserves represent “vital strategic resources” “This should not be wasted,” the study emphasizes.
The authors state that awareness about the importance of consuming healthy food has increased in recent years, which has led to an increase in the demand for food. plant-based dietsand that they are organic and pesticide-free.
Even though consumers are increasingly concerned about the environmental and social impacts of food production, by 2030 there will be more obese people in the world (1,469 million) than undernourished (842 million).
More: The current food production system has significant environmental impacts, including on food production. plastic waste, soil erosion, CO2 emissions , eutrophication, biodiversity loss And groundwater degradation. Climate change further exacerbates this problem and makes the need for action even more urgent.
To compound these issues, One-third of the food produced on the planet is never consumedand the intensification of the agricultural model water space It is important and expanding. However, addressing this shortage only from the supply side has a recovery effect: Widespread decline in groundwater reserves and lakes.
Avoid irreparable consequences
“It is very important to examine the underlying reasons for these practices.” agribusiness (HE They are increasingly focusing on profit rather than agriculture) to stop the growing disconnect between water use and availability,” the report states.
“In an urbanizing world affected by climate change and its uncertain consequences, Rethink our approach to food production Addressing ongoing environmental degradation is vital to mitigating climate change and sustaining a growing population.”
A large-scale production model driven by the substitution of labor with capital-intensive technologies and infrastructure, which has become widespread in many arid regions.Widespread degradation of groundwater resources and related socioeconomic systems“, highlight the authors.
To exist “key areas“they should”reinvent yourself“transforming models”temporary wealth“Based on the use of groundwater resources as catalysts”sustainable development“They state that it is in arid lands.
Recommended measures, for example “control of irrigated lands” And “Promotion of local water and energy resources“they point”Challenge dominant and misleading narratives“.
Additionally, these efforts should be based on the management of water demand.regional planning“because “it’s the only way” avoiding irreparable consequences in the long run,” they insist.
In this sense, hydrological and regional planning plans should play “a” decisive role“, says the research. Because the transition from “market logic” to “natural logic” cannot be sudden.
“After all, this is very important regulates power dynamics within the region, where A small number of people benefit greatly from the unsustainable exploitation of a shared resource“it terminates the work.
Reference work: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11269-023-03663-1
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