Take less out of the south

'Take less out of the south', is what radical scientist, environmentalist and human rights advocate Vandana Shiva urged at Klimaforum09 December 13. Vandana Shiva told that we have to take control over the food system. There is no time to wait for the governments; we have the solutions in our hands.

Food production generates a significant part of our greenhouse gas emissions. At Klimaforum09 this fact was widely acknowledged; the importance of agriculture came up in several speeches. Organic farming and local food were offered to solve the problem created by industrial agriculture. The industrial agriculture has a negative impact on climate because it is based on chemicals and fossil fuels. Unfortunately this was not recognized or not at least stated in the official negotiations.

At Klimaforum09 Vandana Shiva exhibited a manifesto on climate change and the future of food security. The manifesto is produced by the International Commission on the Future of Food and Agriculture, which is chaired by Vandana Shiva herself. The manifesto is described to be 'an agro-ecological response to challenge posed by climate change for ensuring the future of food security by mitigation, adaptation and equity'. The manifesto speaks about several issues related to food production. At the end you can find a list of actions required for ensuring food security in times of climate change.

The manifesto provides a lot of answers that are needed in political desicion making as well as in everyday life.

You can read the manifesto here: http://www.leisa.info/index.php?url=getblob.php&o_id=216236&a_id=70469&a...

Martta Kantele