New research conducted by scientists from New Zealand, Poland, and the United States, in collaboration with the Alliance to Feed the Earth in Disasters, examines a stark question: could earthworms help humanity survive after a nuclear catastrophe? The study appears in Biomass and explores the viability of using Lumbricina as a source of essential calories when sunlight is scarce and food systems are stressed. This work aims to understand the limits and possibilities of worm-based nutrition in a post-disaster world.
When a nuclear conflict occurs, even a limited exchange would loft large amounts of soot and fine particulates into the atmosphere. The consequence would be a visible drop in sunlight reaching the planet, leading to cooler average temperatures and a reduction in crop yields due to diminished photosynthesis. Similar outcomes could arise from other large-scale disasters, such as a major asteroid impact or a supervolcanic eruption, underscoring the fragility of global food systems in extreme events.
To explore alternative feeds for humans, a team led by James Mulhall from the Alliance to Feed the Earth in Disasters examined the potential of earthworms to serve as a calories source for survival after a nuclear event. Earthworms feed on decaying leaves and organic debris, and researchers reasoned that their food intake would be sustained in environments with limited sunlight, provided some soil conditions remain favorable.
Initially, the researchers estimated the global mass of edible worms by combining measurements of average worm weight with the extent of land suitable for worm harvesting. The team found that the edible wet weight of earthworms could reach billions of tons, a quantity that, in theory, would cover substantial portions of daily protein and energy requirements for a large population for an extended period. In such a scenario, calculations suggested that even eight billion people could meet their protein needs for thousands of days, with energy needs also potentially covered for many months. These projections helped frame the foundational idea that worms could contribute to post-disaster food security, though practicalities remained to be tested.
Despite the theoretical abundance, practical challenges soon emerged. The study notes that manual collection on a large scale would be impractical, and the use of chemical aids or modern soil separation techniques would not feasibly deliver the required quantities. Environmental and logistical hurdles, such as habitat disruption and the variability of soil conditions, would further complicate large-scale harvesting. These constraints point to the reality that worm-based food is not a simple substitute for conventional agriculture in a crisis situation.
Health considerations also come into play. The researchers caution that eating worms could introduce chemical contaminants that accumulate in their bodies, potentially posing risks to human health. The geographic feasibility of worm harvesting would vary with climate; regions with severe cold—including parts of Canada and areas across East and Central Asia—could face significant limitations. Additionally, fluctuations in rainfall could influence worm activity and availability, reducing the reliability of this food source in drought-prone or arid periods. These factors collectively shape a nuanced view: worms might contribute to a broader portfolio of emergency foods, but they are not a panacea for global nourishment after a disaster.
In closing, the study highlights the importance of exploring a spectrum of resilience strategies for post-disaster nutrition. While earthworms offer intriguing theoretical potential as an emergency protein and energy source, practical harvesting hurdles, health considerations, and regional climate constraints temper their applicability. The work emphasizes that any plan for post-disaster feeding should integrate multiple food sources, sustainable harvesting methods, and rigorous safety assessments to ensure long-term viability for populations facing severe disruptions to the food system. This ongoing research remains part of a broader effort to build resilient, adaptable food security strategies in the face of extreme events—an essential consideration for policymakers, researchers, and communities alike. [citation: Alliance to Feed the Earth in Disasters; Biomass study note]