Chapter 1: The Famine That Wasn't

Where is the global famine that was foreseen in the 1970s? It's a startling inquiry into how we have navigated a significant global crisis and whether we have triumphed in the battle against hunger.

In the 1970s, discussions surrounding climate change were prevalent, just as they are today. However, the predictions then pointed toward a cooling climate and overpopulation, suggesting that humanity would soon face a critical juncture where resources would deplete, leading to widespread starvation.

Contrary to those forecasts, we have surpassed the anticipated tipping point and now find ourselves in a situation that was expected to contribute to global famine. So, where is this famine?

Chapter 2: Soy's Dual Role in Nutrition and Deforestation

Soy has emerged as the leading superfood touted to combat starvation, with various processing methods that have significantly increased its demand. From its cultivation to the processed meat alternatives available, soy is omnipresent in our food system. This isn't a new phenomenon; soy has been a topic of discussion for decades.

Since 1960, global soy production has skyrocketed by 700%, with no signs of slowing down. The consequences of this expansion, particularly in Brazil, are alarming, with millions of acres of forest being destroyed, often in uncontrolled burns.

Brazil is engulfing its forests to make way for soy. Between May 2021 and June 2022, satellites recorded 84 major fires in Mato Grosso, ignited to prepare land for soy cultivation, devastating 42,000 hectares of land. This expansion is the second largest cause of deforestation in Brazil, with cattle ranching being the leading contributor.

Soy's applications extend beyond food; it produces soybean oil, biofuels, and various industrial goods. The insatiable demand for inexpensive soy has led to the conversion of existing pasturelands for cattle, necessitating further deforestation for grazing.

Brazil stands as the world leader in soybean production and exports, boasting vast amounts of relatively inexpensive arable land.

These destructive agricultural practices echo those of the Aztecs, who similarly cleared land by burning to sustain their corn crops. However, such methods ultimately led to unsustainable agricultural practices, as the initial nutrient boost from the burning was short-lived. The land soon became barren.

Will Brazil follow suit? What does this signify for our future?

Chapter 3: The Search for Alternative Proteins

The surge in soy production highlights our quest for alternative protein sources. We are frequently told that a vegetarian diet can be just as nutritious as one that includes meat. As someone who has followed a vegetarian diet, I can attest to the challenges of that assertion.

While plant-based diets can offer nutritional benefits, they often fall short in practice. I often resorted to products like Beyond Burger for added nutrients, only to experience discomfort due to the high levels of processed ingredients, which can be as difficult to digest as corn husks or styrofoam.

These meat substitutes are heavily processed to imitate the taste and texture of real meat. However, after consuming meat again, I experienced a level of nutrient absorption that I had not encountered before—it felt wholesome and natural.

Yet, real meat comes with its challenges. It's expensive to produce, hard to store, and cannot be manufactured on demand. If more cattle are needed, there’s a two-year wait for them to mature. Similarly, a dairy cow requires a heifer to breed before it can produce milk.

Ironically, the rising trend of veganism and meat-free diets complicates the situation. Producing meat is inherently challenging, leading meat companies to lower prices, with some going bankrupt in the process. Even leading plant-based companies are struggling; Oatly, for instance, has faced financial difficulties, with its stock plummeting by 97.6% from an initial overvaluation. Beyond Meat has also seen a 96.2% drop since its peak in 2016.

These alternative meats aim to convert consumers to vegetarianism to "save the planet," attracting investor interest during the low-interest era of the 2010s. However, this momentum appears unsustainable.

Chapter 4: The Illusion of Abundance

So, where is the famine? While it may seem that there is no famine due to the sheer volume of food available, many overlook the significant waste of unsold food.

Having worked with organizations that redistribute surplus food to those in need in the USA, I've witnessed the abundance of food, albeit often not the freshest. It's better than allowing it to go to waste.

The pressing question is about the quality of the food being distributed globally. Is the food on your plate genuinely nutritious?

In the U.S., frozen meals are easily accessible and convenient, allowing for a variety of quick meal options. However, what do the ingredients in these meals really consist of?

More frequently, pre-packaged and frozen foods are laden with soy and corn, serving primarily as fillers. This reliance on cheap ingredients allows companies to produce foods that create a feeling of fullness, misleading consumers into believing they are getting good value for their money, prompting repeat purchases.

Yet, today's famine doesn’t resemble traditional starvation; it manifests as a significant dilution of essential nutrients. We are filling our stomachs with inexpensive carbohydrates while neglecting the vital nutrients our bodies require.