MDC 120: Sustainability Issues: Prof. Woelker's classes: Articles/Databases

The article informs that Rarotonga, Cook Islands has trialed a new aquaponic farm "Te Raurau o te Kaingavai (Green Living Waters Garden)" with symbiotic combination of aquaculture with hydroponics after receiving a grant of 250,000 New Zealand dollars from the New Zealand Aid (NZAid) Programme.

The article focuses on the end of global economic growth. It states that oil demand and prices are falling due to a lack of money by consumers and that the cost of bringing more oil into production is higher than its current sale price. It mentions that energy prices will skyrocket when oil demand returns, which will undermine the economic recovery. It suggests that the policy of global economic inequality is losing its potency and will reduce any possible growth through outsourcing. It comments on the need to embrace sustainable practices so that the economy no longer threatens ecosystem viability.

Interviews Percy Schmeiser, a farmer in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan who grew oilseed rape, about the patent infringement lawsuit filed against him by Monsanto. Details of the case against Schmeiser; Contamination by genetically modified oilseed rape from Monsanto of his farm; Importance of the case; Strategy of Monsanto in luring farmers to sign a contract with it

The article discusses genetically modified organisms (GMOs), focusing on political and social opposition to genetically modified foods in Europe as of April 2013. Topics include the raiding of farms by activists including the beekeeper Michael Grolm, research concerning the potential adverse health effects of transgenic crops, and the economic impact of transgenic crops for consumers and corporations. The biologist Norman Borlaug's work with wheat strains, innovations from the biologists Marc van Montagu and Jeff Schell, and an anticipated increase in global crop demands is mentioned.

The author reflects on toxicological aspects of food safety. He explores the implications of genetically modified food (GMF) and feed containing quantities of new or existing proteins, which might cause allergies in people or animals. He cites the legislation of the European Union which requires that allerginicity of GMFs be assessed before they can be placed on the market.

The article focuses on the overview of the report of Christopher Flavin, president of the Worldwatch Institute, regarding the future of the nuclear power industry.