Agriculture, often seen as a peaceful relationship between humans and the Earth, hides a significant climate dilemma. Journalist Michael Grunwald, at a recent Climate Week panel, pointed out that agriculture is responsible for major environmental issues. It uses 70% of our fresh water, pollutes our water sources, and drives deforestation. “We are literally eating the Earth,” he remarked.
In his book, *We Are Eating the Earth*, Grunwald emphasizes that our global food system accounts for about one-third of greenhouse gas emissions. Rather than a minor sustainability issue, agriculture has become a central focus in the fight against climate change.
Britt Groosman, Vice President at the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), shared his concerns, highlighting the wastefulness in food production. “We use 70% of the world’s water to grow food, yet half of it is discarded. That’s almost morally repugnant,” she said.
The two discussed how to redesign agriculture for a sustainable future that can feed our growing population without exhausting the planet. Contrary to popular belief, Grunwald warned that the perception of farms as idyllic and sustainable fake an unsettling truth. Only 1% of Earth’s land is developed urban space, while 40% is used for farming. He noted alarming statistics: “We lose a soccer field of tropical forest every six seconds to agriculture.” This loss is devastating, as it releases stored carbon and reduces the Earth’s ability to absorb future emissions.
Both speakers stressed that we must improve productivity on existing agricultural land. Groosman pointed out that we can grow more food without expanding farmland and reduce overall food waste. A common misconception is that small or organic farming is always better for the environment. Groosman explained, “Grass-fed beef may appear more sustainable, but it often has a larger climate footprint.” Grunwald echoed this sentiment by noting the true environmental loss occurred when the natural world was turned into farmland, drastically reducing biodiversity.
Industrial farming operates efficiently, needing to produce more food over the next 30 years than ever before. Grunwald emphasized, “The bigger problem is the land. The more land agriculture uses, the less Nature we have.”
For solutions, both experts see technology as key. “We need to eat food that uses less land,” Grunwald asserted. Simple actions like eating less beef and wasting less food can significantly impact our agricultural footprint. Beef production is ten times land-intensive and emits ten times more greenhouse gases than chicken or pork. “It’s a waste of resources,” he added.
Innovation is on the rise. Grunwald mentioned promising technologies, like engineered microbes that capture atmospheric nitrogen and AI-driven methods to enhance photosynthesis. Meanwhile, research at the University of Illinois aims to boost crop yields by 50% over the next two decades. “Photosynthesis has existed for billions of years, yet it’s inefficient,” he pointed out.
Alternatives to traditional meat are also evolving. Grunwald noted the potential of plant-based meats, which can taste similar to real meat at lower costs. “This technology will only improve.” Groosman highlighted the importance of improving livestock efficiency across the globe, noting that cows in regions like the Netherlands produce milk much more sustainably compared to those in less developed areas.
Meanwhile, climate-resilient crops must also be prioritized as droughts increase. Groosman emphasized the importance of research investment in crops, stating, “Without it, we risk catastrophic losses.” Both experts shared insights from their experiences; Grunwald noted how Brazilian ranchers improved yields with innovative practices like rotational grazing and cover cropping. These methods simultaneously enhanced productivity and protected rainforests.
Despite their shared views on reducing meat consumption, both experts recognized changing eating habits is tough. Groosman offered a historical perspective: “Pythagoras advocated for vegetarianism 2,500 years ago, yet here we are in 2025, and people are eating even more protein.” Their focus remains on ensuring sustainable options are available in supermarkets rather than hoping for immediate consumer behavior change.
Grunwald candidly stated, “You find the level of hypocrisy you’re comfortable with.” He acknowledged that progress is complex, but better choices are still steps forward. Both panelists remained optimistic. Grunwald reflected on the significant progress made in clean energy over the past two decades and expressed hope that food systems, too, would evolve. Groosman agreed, stating that agriculture, previously overlooked in climate discussions, is now a key topic at events like Climate Week.
As they wrapped up, it was clear: the challenges may seem daunting, but so too is human creativity. Just as energy transformed, the next evolution in agriculture is quietly starting to take shape, potentially allowing us to feed the world while healing the planet.
For more insights on the relationship between agriculture and climate change, check out the full discussion and findings from the Environmental Defense Fund.
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Brazilian ranchers,Climate Week,Environmental Defense Fund,Techonomy Events,University of Illinois
