The Myth of Food Insecurity in a World of Abundance

How we're deceived into believing that we're at the mercy of our rulers.

There are many causes of food insecurity in the world, but the biggest causes are generally considered to be poverty and war. This may seem self-evident but as always, context is everything.

It's easy to just blame the hunger problem on poverty, but when you look at the main causes of poverty, you begin to see the bigger picture.

Again, while there are many causes for poverty in the world, two of the main ones are conflicts and corrupt governments. Coincidentally, these two things tend to go together like music festivals and illicit drug use, and they may even be self-perpetuating. According to this study, the impact of government corruption on income inequality and poverty is considerable.

Among the other reasons given for the current food crisis are over-population and of course, climate change.

The world's food production is more than capable of feeding the entire planet if everyone was simply allowed to access it. Every decade our food production increases, regardless of “climate change" (the biggest effect climate change is likely to have on crop yields is where the crops are grown). That fact, due largely to advances in technology, and coupled with medical advances is the reason why our population has increased so much in the last 100 years. This is called “adaptation" and it is the only way our species has ever survived.

Currently, the biggest threat to food security (other than the previously mentioned corrupt governments) are thoughtless and irresponsible government “net-zero" policies that advocate for fertilizer reductions in nations like the US, Canada, and the Netherlands while knowing full well that this will dramatically decrease crop yields.

The above chart looks much the same regardless of which crop we're talking about. The reason for this has nothing to do with government and everything to do with technology, economics (supply and demand), and highly skilled farmers. Many of the nations that do the best job of this also happen to be on the receiving end of government policies that seek to limit the fertilizer use that has made this food production possible.

If there is an overpopulation problem (and there really isn't), it will eventually take care of itself. People only live so long, regardless of medical advances and most estimates say we'll peak in the next 50 years and then start declining. Population is already increasing at a slower pace.

So, climate has not proven to be an issue (and likely won't be) and neither has overpopulation. The only thing standing in the way of a dependable, sustainable food supply is corrupt and irresponsible government.

At least the irresponsible ones we can get rid of on election day, if we're so inclined.

So, if the overwhelming evidence is that there is no crisis in actual food security, why is it that so many people seem to think that there is? Perhaps the answer to this question is the same one that informs some people that the earth is hurtling uncontrollably towards a catastrophic fiery demise on account of people heating their homes and driving to work.

That answer (in case you don't already know) is that the people saying this kind of thing want you to believe that the planet is in dire need of “saving” and that they are the ones with the solution. And of course the reason they want you to believe this is the same as it has always been throughout all of human history - power and control.

And if power and control is what you're after, history has shown that the easiest way to achieve that is through fear.

I just came across this quote from Climate Czar, John Kerry:

We’re facing record malnutrition at a time when agriculture, more than any other sector, is suffering more than ever from the impacts of the climate crisis. And I refuse to call it climate change anymore. It’s not change. It’s a crisis.

Really, John?

At a time when we are producing more food year over year than ever before in our existence, this dude is lamenting the “suffering” of agriculture “more than an other sector” due to the “climate crisis”. Does he even live on this planet?

If there really is a “record malnutrition" problem, it's because idiotic and corrupt governments are not allowing this amazing abundance of food to get to where it needs to go. Or they're just not allowing their farmers to produce enough of it.

When you hear this kind of doomsaying - that we've only got ten years left, or that oil will be gone soon, or that the seas will rise and drown us all - please allow common sense to prevail. The biggest weapon being employed against the average human these days is the message that you can't possibly understand the way the world works; that your common sense and life experience is worth absolutely nothing; that you're incapable of making simple decisions and that the government must now make them for you. One of the ways in which this is accomplished is by discrediting and painting as “deniers” and conspiracy theorists all those who oppose their ideals.

We are fine. The earth is fine. There is no catastrophe. Does this mean we can pollute and litter to our heart's content? Of course not. But we can go on living our lives without fear if we realize what's really going on here. This is not some conspiracy theory. It's simply governments doing what governments do - seizing an opportunity that they believe will keep them in power. What's a little bit different these days is that these same governments have also proven themselves to be extremely succeptible to social media trends and opinions, especially those of special interest groups. This is another story, but with the exact same moral: refuse to abdicate your common sense and better judgement to sketchy politicians and those with obvious agendas. Your peace of mind depends on it.