Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Near Arctic, Seed Vault Is a Fort Knox of Food
This article is about a seed bank in Norway that is stocking up on seeds, plants, and genetic resources that can be called upon in case they become extinct or are needed for food. Biodiversity is a huge issue in daily life of this planet in that each and every day we are losing species and killing our planet with our daily actions. As cliché as it sounds, I have always been one to say that everything was put here on this Earth for a reason. Who is to say that in the future the cure for Malaria won't be found in mosquitoes. Now, that's a drastic example, but could it be possible? I think it can. In regards to stocking up on seeds, I do think it is important that this seed bank be filled with as much as possible because the rate we are going now, there is no telling when we will destroy our planet for good. It is more than vital that countries around the world need to take bigger steps in regards to protecting our planets biodiversity and the future for all organisms that call this planet home.
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3 comments:
I actually read an article very similar to this one a few weeks ago for my Environmental Conservation class. I think the idea behind this underground vault is brilliant, as we are steadily climbing closer and closer to global warming and a the possible extinction of many of earths species. This weould not only provide humans with a reserve for food but will also help to maintain or possibly bring back biodiversity to the earth if something catastrophic were to happen.
It's hard to believe that amidst the millions of people now taking drastic steps to prepare for the future, there are still many people who think global warming isn't a problem or doesn't exist.
I have to agree that this is a very good idea. The potential that certain plant species may hold in terms of genetic engineering could disappear forever. Even though we are the ones creating better crops, the raw material still comes from plant biodiversity, and if we lose that, then much of the potential to create crops that can survive the harsher weather we face in the future will disappear.
Wow, this is really fascinating. I realize more and more how amazing plants are for producing seeds. They are essentially preserving their genes for the future. And here humans are helping. The fact that this project is under way and supported by important organizations like the UN definitely helps the global warming cause. After all, if tiny seeds are being saved and put into a bomb and earthquake resistant cavity 500 feet undernearth the permafrost, how much more should we be doing to make sure WE continue to stay alive on the earth?
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