Earth Week: Feeding the Globe Sustainably in the Twenty-First Century

While farming is fundamental to human existence, its practice poses the greatest threat to Earth’s biodiversity and ecosystems. Growing plants and raising animals domesticated nearly 10,000 years ago displaces wildlife and disrupts critical Earth processes. This occurs even though we have improved our understanding of how these organisms function, and how to manage them. Jerry Glover will discuss innovations to improve current agricultural practices and opportunities to change food production models so they can meet the needs of an increasingly hungry human population without causing negative environmental effects.

About the Speaker

National Geographic Society Explorer 202fDr. Jerry Glover travels around the world to find better ways to produce food and reverse global soil and land degradation. Jerry leads international development programs that partner with small-scale farmers in developing countries to improve the health of their farms, families, and communities. With a background in philosophy and soil science, his research has focused heavily on the development and use of perennial crops—those that regrow year after year and whose extensive root systems build and conserve soil—to improve the sustainability and resilience of food production. He has long advocated for the revolutionary perennial solution: the development of perennial versions of the major grain crops.

For more sustainability-themed virtual events and activities for all ages, visit our Earth Day webpage.

Advanced registration required. Visit the event registration page to register for this free virtual event. Registration closes 30 minutes before start time.

Presented by the Harvard Museum of Natural History and the Harvard Museums of Science & Culture.