Read and access IIASA's models, tools, and data.

Research Projects

Read about individual research projects and activities at IIASA.

Research Partners

Read how IIASA works with research partners across the globe to deliver world-class research.

Models, Tools & Data

Read and access IIASA's models, tools, and data.

Green food systems for the 9 billion

Authors: Obersteiner M

Publication Year: 2011

Reference: Options (IIASA, Laxenburg, Austria), Summer 2011

www.iiasa.ac.at/Options

Abstract

A major goal of the international and development communities is to satisfy food security needs while achieving a smaller environmental footprint. This is becoming harder to reach by the day. In 2050 there will be an estimated 9 billion mouths to feed, compared to almost 7 billion today. Without timely solutions, this will necessitate a 50 percent increase in food production and, of course, all the damage that present-day agricultural practices imply for the environment.