Ep 3. Future of Food

Xploration Earth 2050 season 1 episode 3 titled “Future of Food” explores the revolutionary advancements and challenges that are shaping the way we produce and consume food. The episode delves into how the world population is expected to reach 9 billion by the year 2050, putting immense pressure on food supply, and how we need to come up with innovative ways to produce food to keep up with the surge in demand.

The episode takes viewers on a journey to explore modern farming methods such as vertical, urban and hydroponic farming, which are revolutionizing the agricultural industry. Vertical farming involves growing crops in stacked layers, while urban farming focuses on growing food in cities. Hydroponic farming, on the other hand, is a method of growing plants without soil, using a nutrient-rich water solution instead. These methods enable farmers to grow crops in smaller spaces, reduce water usage, and use fewer chemicals than traditional farming methods.

The host of the show, Danni Washington, explores a vertical farm in Newark, New Jersey, where she meets the founder of AeroFarms, one of the world's largest vertical farming companies. The company uses aeroponic technology to grow crops in a controlled, indoor environment. By optimizing light, temperature, and humidity, they can grow crops that are highly nutritious and free from harmful chemicals.

The episode also discusses the introduction of lab-grown meat, also known as cultured or cell-based meat, which is produced by harvesting cells from living animals and using them to grow meat in a lab. This process eliminates the need to raise and slaughter animals for meat production, potentially reducing the environmental impact of meat production and offering a more ethical solution for meat consumption.

Danni visits Memphis Meats, a company at the forefront of lab-grown meat production, to learn more about their process of producing meat in a lab. She interviews the CEO of Memphis Meats and gets a glimpse of their production methods. The episode explores the potential of lab-grown meat to help meet the global demand for meat while reducing the impact of industrial animal farming on the environment.

Moreover, the episode addresses the problems associated with the global fishing industry and how advancements in technology can help in sustainable fishing. The host goes to Hawaii to explore the use of drones and software to monitor fish populations. The technology enables researchers to make informed decisions about the fishing industry and implement sustainable practices.

Finally, the episode highlights the importance of reducing food waste. In the US, 30-40% of the food goes to waste, contributing to the annual emission of greenhouse gases from landfills. The host visits a food bank in Seattle that uses waste food from supermarkets to help feed the community. She also meets startups that use food waste to produce new products such as beer and snacks.

In conclusion, Xploration Earth 2050 season 1 episode 3, “Future of Food,” provides an insightful glimpse into the future of food and highlights the innovations and challenges we must navigate to ensure food security and sustainability. With the world's population set to surge in the years to come, the episode presents a compelling case for adopting radical solutions to meet the ever-growing demand for food.