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Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Chinese Demand for Food Might Unsettle the Planet

As if global warming were not enough for this trouble-ridden planet, we all know that we are yet to come-up with a source of energy to replace oil, as much as the risk of water supply running short for everyone. On top of that, we have seen with the recent growth in Chinese food consumption driving food prices worldwide up in the sky, we will be facing an up-for-grabs for food and fertile agricultural lands.

Around August 2007, China stipulated that all school-age children should have at least 500 ml (almost a pint) of milk a day, so that they could grow and nourish themselves appropriately. The enactment of this law alone draws 1/3 of all milk produced worldwide to the Chinese economy, skyrocketing prices up to 50% in Germany, and more than 100% in Brazil.

China is also a gross importer of commodities such as soybean, wheat and other staple cereals. On the same bandwagon, wheat flour price has gone up to the skies in Japan, due to Chinese demand.

According to studies, China’s demand for food will increase ever on, on a projected basis of 369 million metric tons in grain in the near future, but also start a high steep demand for livestock products.

The poor countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America are to suffer first from this onslaught of food grain price hike. As international wheat price has shot up as much as 83% increase in this year (source: Food and Agriculture Organization of United Nations), the food ticket price for developing countries will be 35% higher, resulting in people getting less food, and less money to spare for other needs, like medical care for instance.

Then you can imagine that lack of food drives to social unrests. Just to remind you, the French Revolution and the Soviet Revolution gained sympathizers, because at their times, there was a lack of food in the cities.

Social unrest in the poor periphery countries will lead to more immigration towards the developed countries, generating high social tensions all over the planet.

Quite disturbing scenario, isn’t it? Well all this is projected upon present-day food production technology. Does anyone have any idea for a higher food output? You know, the world is hungry!

Brief and to the Point:

It seems like the food blanket is short for encompassing everyone on this planet. We cannot blame the Chinese, for they have their right to eat better.

What then if your grocery expenses reach higher next month? You will still be lucky for you can afford to buy. Some fellas in the Southern hemisphere of this planet might not have what to eat.


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