Air and Food Likely to Exist

A document examining the current status and future availability of air and food, essential resources for human survival.

Air and Food Likely to Exist

Overview

'Air and Food Likely to Exist' is a topic that discusses whether air and food, the basic conditions for human survival, will continue to exist in sufficient quantities in the future. This topic analyzes how various factors such as climate change, population growth, and technological development affect the availability of resources. According to recent research, regional imbalances in air quality and food production are worsening, but at the global level, the levels essential for survival are still being maintained.

Main Content

Availability of Air

Air is abundant in the atmosphere, but the availability of 'good air' is becoming increasingly limited. Air pollution is particularly severe in urban areas, and according to the World Health Organization, 99% of the world's population is exposed to fine particulate matter exceeding guideline levels. Carbon dioxide concentrations have increased by more than 50% since industrialization, reaching approximately 420 ppm as of 2024. However, oxygen itself constitutes about 21% of the Earth's atmosphere and has remained largely stable for thousands of years thanks to plant photosynthesis.

Current Status of Food Production

Food production has increased over the past 50 years at a rate exceeding population growth, thanks to technological innovation and the expansion of cultivated land. However, abnormal weather caused by climate change, soil degradation, and water scarcity are emerging as major threats. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, global food production is estimated at approximately 2.8 billion tons as of 2024, which is sufficient to nutritionally meet the needs of the world's population. However, due to regional inequalities, approximately 700 million people still suffer from undernourishment.

Resource Distribution and Accessibility

The existence of air and food is not merely a matter of quantity. Access to clean air and nutritious food depends heavily on economic and social factors. Sub-Saharan Africa and parts of Asia are experiencing food crises due to drought and conflict, while cities in developing countries with severe air pollution have high rates of respiratory diseases. This suggests that the expression 'likely to exist' is not absolute but varies depending on relative conditions.

The Role of Science and Technology

Climate-smart agriculture, vertical farming, alternative proteins, and air purification technologies are being noted as solutions to increase resource availability. For example, the Netherlands and Israel are maximizing food production per unit area through advanced irrigation systems and greenhouse technologies, while the spread of electric vehicles and the expansion of renewable energy to reduce air pollution are contributing to improved air quality.

Recent Trends

Major trends from 2024 to 2025 are as follows:

Efforts to Improve Air Quality: The World Health Organization released new air quality guidelines in 2024, and many countries are strengthening their fine particulate matter concentration standards. The European Union is pursuing policies to reduce premature deaths caused by air pollution by 55% by 2030.
Transformation of Food Systems: As a follow-up to the UN Food Systems Summit, countries are setting carbon emission reduction targets for the agricultural sector to achieve sustainable food production. In 2025, the commercialization of cultivated meat is expected to gain full momentum, with sales already approved in Singapore and some U.S. states.
Impacts of Climate Change: Abnormal weather in 2024 caused by El Niño led to fluctuations in grain production, but global stockpiles remain at stable levels. Research institutions warn that climate variability will increase in 2025 as well, but they analyze that the development of adaptive technologies can mitigate the risks.