Getting the bread: What’s the environmental impact of wheat?

The Role of Wheat in Sustainable Development

Introduction

The story of wheat as a cultivated crop is nearly as old as that of human civilization itself. Few plants have played a bigger role in our history than the tall grass with its iconic amber kernels and wisps, which has fed cities, cultures and countries for some 10,000 years since it was first domesticated in the Middle East’s Fertile Crescent. Today, it has been bred, crossbred and modified thousands of times to fit any number of climates and locations worldwide.

Wheat as the Most Widely Planted Crop

Wheat is the most widely planted crop on Earth by land mass, with 217 million hectares (536 million acres) — an area the size of Greenland — devoted to growing it.

Importance of Wheat in Global Food Supply

Milled, pounded, baked and boiled, wheat is a staple of cuisines across the world, supplying around a fifth of the total calories and protein consumed by human beings. The global market for wheat is projected to be worth more than $200 billion by 2028.

Impact of Synthetic Fertilizers on Wheat Production

The per-hectare yield of wheat has tripled since the 1960s, thanks in part to the development of more efficient and resilient strains of the plant. However, this increase in yield has been heavily reliant on the use of synthetic fertilizers. The application of synthetic fertilizers in wheat production contributes to climate change, algae blooms, and oceanic “dead zones” when nutrients from these fertilizers run off into the environment.

Environmental Consequences of Synthetic Fertilizers

Studies have shown that a significant environmental impact associated with a loaf of bread comes from the synthetic fertilizer used in growing the wheat for it. The leakage of nitrogen and phosphorous from synthetic fertilizers into the environment has led to toxic algae blooms in freshwater lakes, rivers, and estuaries, as well as the creation of “dead zones” in coastal areas where sea life cannot survive.

Contribution to Climate Change

Synthetic fertilizers are a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. The production and application of these fertilizers release significant amounts of carbon dioxide, contributing to climate change. Wheat production alone accounts for a substantial portion of these emissions.

Sustainable Solutions for Wheat Production

Progressive food system experts advocate for a shift in wheat production towards sustainable techniques like “circular agriculture.” This approach involves recycling waste and implementing practices that reduce pollution and reliance on synthetic fertilizers. Planting nitrogen-fixing cover crops in rotation with wheat and adopting nature-inclusive agricultural practices are examples of sustainable strategies that can reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers.

Conclusion

As the most widely planted crop on Earth, wheat plays a significant role in global food security. However, its production has negative environmental impacts, particularly due to the use of synthetic fertilizers. To achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), it is crucial to transition towards sustainable wheat production methods that minimize harm to the environment and contribute to climate change mitigation.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Related to the Issues Discussed in the Article

1. SDGs Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article

• SDG 2: Zero Hunger
• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
• SDG 13: Climate Action
• SDG 15: Life on Land

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Based on the Article’s Content

• SDG 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, that help maintain ecosystems, that strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, extreme weather, drought, flooding, and other disasters, and that progressively improve land and soil quality.
• SDG 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater, and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally.
• SDG 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water, and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment.
• SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
• SDG 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity, and protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article

• Indicator 2.4.1: Proportion of agricultural area under productive and sustainable agriculture.
• Indicator 6.3.2: Proportion of bodies of water with good ambient water quality.
• Indicator 12.4.1: Number of parties to international multilateral environmental agreements on hazardous waste management.
• Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have communicated the establishment or operationalization of an integrated policy/strategy/plan which increases their ability to adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change, and foster climate resilience and low greenhouse gas emissions development in a manner that does not threaten food production.
• Indicator 15.5.1: Red List Index.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Note: The indicators listed are examples and may not be exhaustive.

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: news.mongabay.com

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