First published 2025
Our species has converted farmland equivalent to Asia and Europe combined, yet our agricultural system produces one-third of global carbon emissions. Michael Grunwald follows food and land expert Tim Searchinger as he confronts the central paradox of our time: feeding nearly 10 billion people by 2050 without destroying the planet. Searchinger fights against agricultural lobbies and flawed policies that promote false solutions while rainforests disappear at alarming rates. Grunwald documents both the failures and the breakthroughs, from pongamia crops thriving in harsh conditions to gene-edited livestock and pesticides that target beetles using vaccine technology. The author reveals how decades of ignoring food-related climate impacts have led to worse problems, but also showcases scientists and entrepreneurs developing genuine solutions. Through Searchinger's persistent advocacy, the book maps a realistic path forward using improved policy, emerging technology, and changed behavior patterns, all grounded in recognizing that every acre of land matters for our survival.
Genres: environment, agriculture, non-fiction, climate-change
Vibes: thought-provoking
Tropes: advocacy
384 pages · Kindle Edition · Simon & Schuster