Global Environmental Trends: Feeding the World

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Global Environmental Trends Feeding the World

• World Resources Institute
• http//www.wri.org/wri/

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Yields Are Up, But Growth is Slowing
5
4
3
Yield (metric tons/hectare)
2
1
0
Wheat Yield
Rice Yield
Maize Yield
3
Yields Are Up, But Growth is Slowing
12
10
8
6
Increase in Yield
4
2
0
-2
Wheat
Paddy Rice
4
Progress in Feeding the World Has Varied Widely
by Region
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Progress in Feeding the World Has Varied Widely
by Region
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Despite Gains, Millions Go Hungry
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Degraded Soil Means Less Food
World Totals (million hectares) Vegetation
Removal 579 Overexploitation 133 Overgrazing 679
Agricultural Activities 522 Industrial and
Bioindustrial 23
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Food Supply Increasingly Relies on Irrigation