Humanity is grappling with the effects of climate change, and one urgent challenge is ensuring a stable and sustainable supply of protein for human consumption and agricultural use. That’s where molecular farming, an innovative technology that uses the power of plants to produce high-quality proteins, may present a unique solution. Tune into Sustainability In Your Ear for a conversation with Maya Sapir-Mir, co-founder and CEO of PoLoPo, to explore how molecular farming could transform food production, and make potato chips better for us.
We’ll discuss the science behind PoLoPo’s approach, the potential for reducing the environmental footprint of protein production, and what this means for the future of global food security. Genetic modification remains a subject of debate. While extensive studies confirm its safety for human consumption, concerns about its impact on biodiversity persist. Simply replacing one monoculture with another would not address biodiversity loss or solve global food production’s more profound systemic challenges. One thing is sure: how we eat in the future will be different. Just as a meal today looks nothing like one from 1960, 1900, or 1770, the food landscape of 2040 will evolve—likely toward a more plant-centric, sustainable plate. However we get there, it will shape not just our diets but the future of our planet. Learn more about PoLoPo at https://polopo.tech
Check out previous Earth911 interviews about food innovation
Editor’s Note: This episode originally aired on February 10, 2024.