A panel of experts from different fields of thought will present their contributions – including new science and technology, eating insects as a source of protein (entomophagy) and using land to grow food for humans rather than animal feed – at the latest in the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)’s 21st Century Challenges discussion series.
Chaired by journalist, writer and broadcaster Jay Rayner, ‘Feeding the 9 billion’ will take place on Wednesday 30 October, 7pm, at the Society’s headquarters in London.
The speakers will be crop scientist Professor Tim Wheeler, entomologist Peter Smithers and campaign coordinator Edd Colbert.
Speaking ahead of the event, Jay said: “I am delighted to be chairing this important event for the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG). With the global population expected to peak at nine billion by 2050 and with so many more of those people being the aspiring middle classes, finding a sustainable way in which to feed ourselves really is the key issue for the 21st century.”
Professor Tim Wheeler said: “Almost one third of the world's population today remain hungry or malnourished. We urgently need to unlock the potential of new agricultural technologies as we face up to the challenge of feeding 9 billion people by the year 2050.”
Edd Colbert said: “Growing food for animals, when it could be fed to humans, is not only immoral but also a waste. The demand for cereal crops and soy can be offset by feeding food unfit for human consumption to omnivorous livestock. Where there's [pig] swill, there's a way!"
ENDS
Notes to Editors
1. For further information on the event and press passes, please contact Communications and Media Officer Ben Parfitt on press@rgs.org or 020 7591 3019.
2. More information and biographies of all the speakers and Chair are available at http://www.21stcenturychallenges.org/challenges/food-matters/
3. For journalists attending:
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Free press passes are available
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Professional quality video and photos of the whole event will be made available for press purposes
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There may be interview opportunities with the speakers
4. The event begins at 7pm (doors open at 6pm) on Wednesday 30 October 2013 at the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG), 1 Kensington Gore, London SW7 2AR. The nearest tube station is South Kensington. Public tickets cost £7 for RGS-IBG members and £10 for non-members. Booking: (0)20 7591 3100 or events@rgs.org or www.rgs.org/21cc
5. 21st Century Challenges is a series of thought-provoking discussions aimed to improve public understanding of, and engagement with, some of the key issues likely to affect our lives and society in the future. More information, biographies, links, and videos of previous events are available at www.21stcenturychallenges.org
6. The Royal Geographical Society (with The Institute of British Geographers) is the learned society and professional body for geography. Formed in 1830, our Royal Charter of 1859 is for 'the advancement of geographical science'. Today, we deliver this objective by developing, supporting and promoting geography through research, expeditions and fieldwork, education, and public engagement, while also providing geographical input to policy. We aim to foster an understanding and informed enjoyment of our world. We hold the world's largest private geographical collection and provide public access to it. We have a thriving Fellowship and membership and offer the professional accreditation 'Chartered Geographer' www.rgs.org
7. Shell supports the Society’s 21st Century Challenge series in promoting public discussion and understanding of some of the key issues facing society in the UK, and the world, in the coming decades