As we approach the year 2050 it is estimated that the world’s population will reach 9.7 billion people. Although this seems a long way away, it is within students’ lifetime. Because of this expected population increase we need to be smart about how we use resources today, to make sure they are available in abundance in future years. One of the most effective ways that we can help create a more sustainable future is by considering the food we eat. Unsustainable farming practices lead to problems such as soil erosion and degradation, pollution, climate change and loss of habitat to name a few. The good news is that each time we eat we have an opportunity to vote for a more sustainable food future. This unit is designed to empower your students to make simple changes to their food consumption habits to create big positive impacts. One food issue that students can act on right now is protecting pollinators.
Pollinators such as bees and insects are essential to food production. Without pollinators, plant and animal-based food production systems would face serious decline. The Food and Agriculture Organisation’s (FAO) website provides examples of how bees influence food quantity. Mono-cropping, pesticides, and higher temperatures associated with climate change are some human influences on bee populations that can impact the quality, quantity and nutrition of food. Additionally, taking care of bees means you are taking care of biodiversity, as they play a larger role in overall ecosystem services.
This unit has been created in partnership with ACT for Bees. ACT for Bees is a not-for-profit organisation taking action to preserve these essential pollinators to ensure a food secure future.