20 years ago, the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro was memorable for its landmark agreements to guide sustainable development worldwide. The first principle states: “Human beings are at the centre of concern for sustainable development. They are entitled to a healthy and productive life in harmony with nature.” And yet today, we still cannot deliver on this fundamental principle since there are approximately 925 million people suffering from hunger. How senseless in a world that already produces enough food to feed everyone yet ironically, hundreds of millions more suffer from obesity and related medical problems.
In sum, it is clear that we still have much work to do before we can achieve sustainable development globally. But let us not forget that sustainable development begins with our own actions—and there is no better time than now to take action for our future!
We've got a lot to think about when it comes to global food production, and we can't do it alone. We need your help!
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that by 2050, we'll need to produce 60% more food than we do today in order to feed the world. With traditional farming methods, that would take a massive toll on our natural resources and make access to healthy, sustainable protein difficult for the masses of the world.
But research shows it will be impossible for us to consume the amount and type of protein typical of current diets in North America and Europe by 2050.
We cannot support a diet high in animal protein for ten billion people, both financially and sustainably. A kilogram of cereal requires 1,500 liters of water to produce, while a kilogram of meat requires a startling 15,000 liters.
So, what can be done? Well, we need to come up with new ways to feed the world protein. Alternative proteins like "plant-based meat," edible insects, lab-grown meats, and other creative foods are becoming more and more popular, but hemp has so much more potential. Hemp seeds are thought to be the world's most nutritionally complete food source because they have an almost perfect ratio of omega 3 to omega 6, as well as iron, vitamin E, and all of the necessary amino acids. The United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals may be attained in part by hemp over time.
Because the hemp plant can withstand harsh weather conditions, unlike other crops like rice and soy, it can be grown in many parts of the world with little to no chemical input. Imagine a world in which hemp can provide nutrient-deficient populations with food.
Two of our most essential food products, flour and oil, can be made from hemp seeds. Since hemp protein powder naturally contains all the essential amino acids needed by the human body, it is a great source of complete protein. All three Omegas—Omega-3, -6, and -9—as well as a variety of B vitamins, minerals like calcium, iron, and zinc, and other nutrients are all found in hemp seeds. Hemp protein powder has about 90 calories and 3 grams of fat per three tablespoons, but it also has 15 grams of protein. It is easier to digest than soy and can be ground into flour for baking, smoothie additions, or hemp milk, a healthy dairy substitute.
The need to find more sustainable sources of protein to feed the world is more important than ever. And even though there are a lot of innovative and fascinating alternatives, hemp has long been one of humanity's most important agricultural products.
In our opinion, hemp is once again in its prime. Let's join the movement together and jump on board.
Be the beginning of change!
References:
- https://www.leafie.co.uk/articles/could-hemp-save-planet/
- https://www.embracerelief.org/world-hunger-facts-world-food-shortage-2021/
- https://nzhempbrokers.com/hemp-facts/
- https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2019/01/how-can-we-produce-enough-protein-to-feed-10-billion-people/
- https://www.un.org/en/chronicle/article/feeding-world-sustainably
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S240584402200041X
