Journalist, science writer and author, Julian Cribb (right below), used this thought to introduce his new book, “The Coming Famine”.
However should we listen to Cribb, as those in a packed auditorium at the University of Melbourne did earlier in the year, many are poised to begin missing those meals.
As Sharman Stone begins her fifth term as the Member for Murray, she enters an era in which she, and everyone else for that matter, needs to become appraised of, understand and react to the many “peaks” that threaten humanity and makes its survival to the end of this century problematic.
The famine Cribb elucidates evolves from a host of shortages, among them water, which is something that those behind the Food Bowl modernization project are attempting to counter.
However, the impending famine is not just about water, everything about our behaviour, including waste, needs to be considered if we are to avoid, as much as we can, a troublesome tomorrow.
Climate change, an undeniable reality as evidenced by recent world events, oil depletion, a shortage of arable land and a burgeoning population collide to worsen our situation that demands more of a reaction than simply changing your light-globes.
We wait for direction, and so empowerment, and that first must come from the new government, whatever shape it takes, but should that not be forthcoming then we begin the journey through the four steps suggested by Australian Conservation Foundation President, Ian Lowe, - that being discontent, a new vision, viable pathways and commitment.
Food security is the essence of democracy and the discontent Lowe points to is brought on by hunger igniting the commitment for change and maybe anarchy. Ms Stone should ensure her voice is heard in Canberra and so convince her peers that the Murray Electorate, along with the rest of Australia, will be best served by addressing climate change, food security and the collection of “peaks’ they are colliding with.
