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Grow room climate control systems manufacturers in 2024

Mar
06

Best rated grow room climate control systems wholesale: What is Vertical Farming? In case you’re unfamiliar with vertical farming, it’s the practice of growing crops indoors in stacked layers, carefully monitored with modern technology. It literally takes the idea of a greenhouse to new levels. Think leafy greens nestled in gleaming towers, herbs hanging out on sleek shelves, and maybe even strawberries or tomato season all year round. Vertical farming differs from greenhouse farming or hothouse farming because the climate conditions, such as temperature and humidity, are carefully monitored and controlled. The keen use of height with stacks and columns allows the grower to produce a lot more when compared to greenhouses or conventional indoor farming. There are a few different methods for these vertical farms, such as hydroponic farming, aquaponic farming, or aeroponic farming. Regardless of the technique, vertical farming operations are sprouting up worldwide, and they tout some incredible sustainability benefits. Here are just a few. Read more details on vertical grow racks.

Vertical farms may make use of soil, aeroponic, or hydroponic growing techniques. Part of the urban farming trend, vertical farming is building on the success of urban greenhouses, such as those found in city centers on top of commercial buildings. Vertical farmers may incorporate growing systems into rooftop settings, onto the sides of commercial high rises, or into what’s referred to as “farmscrapers.” Growing fresh food has traditionally been subject to the elements: location, climate, seasonal conditions, and weather trends are just the start of the challenges that can impact plant health and crop yield.

While vertical farming is an exciting new development for the food supply sector, this new method is not without its drawbacks. First, the consumer cost of items grown in vertical farms is much higher than the costs of traditionally grown items. This results from the massive amount of funding still needed to build farms large enough to allow for lower prices. Equipment also adds to the price tag; heating and cooling systems, shading technologies, lights, environmental controls, and other equipment all require considerable capital.

Artificial light vertical multi-layer growth racks are used to colonize saffron seed balls and provide a dedicated spectral formula for lighting. Temperature, humidity, airflow, light and CO2 can be precisely controlled using OptiClimat smart climate growing ACs and PLC integrated control system. OptiClimate’s smart climate growing system works with the parameters of the climatic conditions of the saffron origin in Jammu or Kashmir. Saffron grows everything freely by its timeline in OptiClimatefarm. That means a 100m2 indoor growroom could plant as the same number of saffron seed balls as in a 15-acre outdoor field . Our vertical farming technology using smart climate plant factories to grow specialty products will inspire a great business model! Indoor saffron – growing specialty products using vertical farming technology.

While vertical farming may have a host of complications, it’s particularly effective at one task: growing starter plants. For many growers, starter plants, or transplants, are extremely valuable. These fledglings can be grown rapidly, at extremely high densities, in the controlled environments of vertical farms before being inserted into the agricultural supply chain. They offer hardiness and ease of planting, saving growers the time and labor of having to start the young plants from fragile seeds in a greenhouse or field.

Vertical farming HVAC systems generate significant amounts of heat as byproducts. Implementing waste heat recovery technologies can harness this excess heat and repurpose it for various applications, such as water heating or powering absorption chilling systems. Key advantages include: Reduced energy consumption for heating purposes; Increased overall energy efficiency by utilizing waste heat; Cost savings through the reuse of heat energy. Controlling temperature fluctuations minimizes stress on plants, promoting their overall health and productivity.

The most critical differences between a greenhouse and an indoor DFT system, are perhaps that the latter uses active cooling and dehumidification instead of venting and uses only LED lighting instead of mostly sunlight. It is by excluding the effects of seasonal differences in temperature, humidity and light that the optimal growing environment can be created to produce a premium product year-round. HVACD Climate optimization, selecting the right varieties and defining growth recipes. Growing successfully indoors is all about finding the right balance between light, temperature,humidity and yield and planting density. Growing the right varieties can minimize handling and labor costs. This makes them ideal for vertical farmers who may not have a lot of experience in growing a certain variety of tomato and the reduced labor costs will increase the city farm’s profitability. Find even more details at https://www.opticlimatefarm.com/.

OptiClimate is the best and reliable choice for plant farms all around the world, every single unit of OptiClimate products must pass strict interior tests before delivery to global customers in Europe, America, Middle East, Asia and some other areas. It has passed the tests and obtained CE certificates from accredited global companies. OptiClimate always provides suitable environment for the plants. Our flexible hydroponic irrigation framework allows you to customize and modify solutions specific to your particular crop. The automatic irrigation systems ( automatic plant watering system ) include: EC control:Seedlings/early sprouts – Early vegetative stage –Full vegetative stage – Early blooming stage – Full mature bloom/ripening stage.

Vertical farming HVAC systems play a vital role in maintaining optimal environmental conditions for crop growth. However, they also consume a significant amount of energy. By implementing energy-efficient solutions, vertical farms can minimize their carbon footprint and achieve sustainable agricultural practices. Let’s explore some key strategies. Precision climate control systems regulate temperature, humidity, and CO2 levels in the vertical farm. By integrating smart sensors and automation, these systems can optimize the use of energy resources based on real-time crop requirements.

Sustainable Practices – Warehouse farmlands can make agriculture more efficient and sustainable. The reduced reliance on soil and water means less natural resource consumption. Additionally, indoor farming allows farmers to cultivate crops in urban areas, reducing transportation costs and carbon emissions from long-distance shipping. Lastly, warehouse farms don’t require toxic chemicals and pesticides that cause greenhouse gas emissions since the controlled environment naturally keeps pests and weeds out. Indoor farming shows great promise in tackling today’s biggest agricultural challenges. However, there are several critical factors to consider when setting it up.

HVAC is very important in vertical farming because it can control and optimize the growing environment of the plants. Resulting in healthy plants and high yields. If done properly. There are six advantages of an HVAC system for vertical farming: HVAC ensures an optimal temperature in the growing environment, which is crucial because plants develop optimally within a certain temperature range. An optimal and constant temperature range ensures optimal plant growth, resulting in maximum yield.

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Hydroponic climate control systems supplier in 2024

Mar
05

High quality vertical grow rack system supplier: Even still, vertical farming requires intense oversight, labor costs can add up quickly. Some studies show that vertical farms will need to hire 100,000 workers over the next 10 years if growth continues at the same pace. And while consumers have shown they are willing to pay more for local, eco-friendly products, it’s not yet proven that customers are willing to shell out more for food grown indoors. Studies have shown that consumers do not necessarily think of vertical farms as “natural,” which may impede overall growth. Discover extra information on commercial grow room air conditioner.

Historically, vertical farms look at urban areas for production. This helps alleviate the issue of food deserts, which are areas that have no fresh produce available within five miles. The proximity to densely populated areas reduces transportation costs and emissions. It also fosters a sense of food security within urban centers. This vertical farm-to-table approach can supply local communities and restaurants with delicious, nutritious foods in less time. ?Vertical farming addresses the issue of food miles, promoting local agriculture and connecting urban communities with fresh, locally grown products. Local farms in urban communities create new jobs for people that live in the community that people may not have had access to before. The creation of jobs in urban areas through vertical farming contributes to economic development and bolsters the agricultural sector. It’s notable that since these farms operate all year round, the employment is more stable year-round as well. As the industry grows, it becomes a significant player in sustaining and employing urban populations.

Today’s consumers are more eco-conscious than ever, seeking information regarding the origins of the products they purchase in search of greater peace of mind that their buying habits are not harming the environment or workers. In recent years, some players in the agriculture industry have been shifting operations to meet these changing consumer demands, “greening” their processes and seeking more sustainable methods of farming.

This groundbreaking farming method saves considerable space and soil, and, as an extra perk, these vertical farms tend to pay higher wages than traditional farming setups, too. This goes hand-in-hand with rising consumer concern for employee working conditions, which are often unsafe and low-paying in agricultural sectors. Combined with extreme weather patterns and land disputes, the situation can lead to a very insecure industry. Further enhancing safety, the chance of acquiring foodborne illnesses is greatly reduced with vertical farming, cutting down on overall liability and the risk of damaged reputations and associated costs.

Our solution consists of a fully automated solar powered vertical indoors farm. Innovative DFT transpiration hydroponics model, Improved flower, root and bulb growth by adjusting the B-R light ratio formula, using vertical farming has already been proven to be a highly efficient method of growing spices due to it’s controlled environment and large yield per square meter of land used. The world’s most expensive spices can be grown on a vertical farm,do you know? Reality,it’s going very well with the help of smart climate technology!

A good HVAC system can contribute to a sustainable vertical farming operation by reducing energy consumption, water consumption, and operational costs. HVAC systems can improve water quality by regulating the pH and dissolved oxygen in the water, which is important for plant growth. To optimize an HVAC system for vertical farming, there are several important considerations to keep in mind to choose the right HVAC system for your vertical farming operation, considering your specific needs and circumstances: There are different types of HVAC systems available, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Some systems regulate temperature and humidity, while others regulate CO2.

However, this innovative farming method requires precise control over environmental conditions to ensure optimal plant growth and productivity. One crucial aspect of vertical farming is the implementation of energy-efficient HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems. These systems play a vital role in maintaining the ideal temperature, humidity, and air quality levels necessary for successful crop cultivation. In this article, we will explore the significance of energy-efficient HVAC systems and their benefits for vertical farming.

One of the best ways to utilize indoor spaces is by installing vertical racking systems. Vertical farming has shown, time and time again, to be a viable solution for increasing crop yield within a given area. However, with the right technology, vertical racking systems can be used for both propagation and flower andvegetable . Vertical systems have been compared with traditional, single level methods and vertical farming has continually produced more crop per unit area. Indoor vertical farming becomes the most effective when maximizing the grow space between tiers/levels, using specialized HVACD and LEDs. Find more information at https://www.opticlimatefarm.com/.

OPTICLIMATE Provides professional Vertical Commercial Cultivation Solutions for customers. OptiClimate Farm’s original commercial vertical hydroponics facility is a highly engineered, modular and combined vertical production environment, tailored for various crops, plant products and business models of AG and CBD. Provide the best controlled vertical planting environment to grow a variety of gardening, flowers and agricultural products in various environments and climates. In addition to growing green leafy vegetables, herbs and other special plants and shallow root crops can also be grown.

Using advanced technologies: One HVAC system can help control the growing environment, but it is important to regularly measure and adjust temperature, humidity, and CO2 levels as needed. This can be done, for example, through sensors and monitoring systems. Finally, advanced technologies such as AI and machine learning can be used to optimize HVAC systems for vertical farming. This can use all available data, which we analyze, make a digital twin, perform predictive maintenance and performance management, and apply hyperspectral image recognition. These technologies can help automatically adjust the growing environment to the needs of the plants, which can lead to higher yields and more efficient energy consumption.

Year-Round Food Production – Controlled growing environments in warehouses enable the cultivation of seasonal foods all year round. This helps ensure consistent supply and shorter harvest times without compromising produce quality. Consumers can then enjoy their favorite fresh fruits and greens regardless of the season and without shipping them in from far away. Adverse Weather Protection – Extreme weather can severely affect traditional farming — freezing temperatures stifle plant growth, droughts cause crops to die, excessive rain damages the soil and so on. Growing crops in climate-controlled warehouses protects them from inclement weather so such natural catastrophes don’t impact crop yields and ensure predictable harvests.

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Vertical growing systems manufacturer in 2024

Feb
28

Vertical farming solutions suppliers right now: Indoor, or greenhouse, farming creates a controlled environment to combat troubles like pests and drought. The strategy dates as far back as the Roman Emperor Tiberius, and its latest iteration bears the promise of an efficient “Plantopia” that we’ve yet to truly tap. As the name suggests, vertical farms grow upwards, engaging with shelf-style structures that tend to operate via hydroponics or aeroponics. Robotics, data analysis, computerized controls, and sophisticated algorithms do the heavy lifting of optimizing every inch of the growing environment — all day long, every day of the year. This vertical solution maximizes even more urban square footage, proponents argue, without requiring higher investments or major changes to the growing process. Find even more info on hydroponic rack system

While vertical farming is an exciting new development for the food supply sector, this new method is not without its drawbacks. First, the consumer cost of items grown in vertical farms is much higher than the costs of traditionally grown items. This results from the massive amount of funding still needed to build farms large enough to allow for lower prices. Equipment also adds to the price tag; heating and cooling systems, shading technologies, lights, environmental controls, and other equipment all require considerable capital.

Automation Technologies – Indoor farms require a combination of robotics, machine learning, Internet of Things sensors and cloud computing to function as intended. These technologies are central to creating and maintaining an optimized growing environment. Employing these systems can also reduce the need for manual labor and associated costs. Warehouses Are Becoming the New Farmlands – All over the world, farmers are converting wide, spacious buildings into farmlands capable of feeding their surrounding communities. This represents an important step toward ensuring food security and lowering carbon emissions, for which the agriculture industry has received a lot of flak in recent years.

Our solution consists of a fully automated solar powered vertical indoors farm. Innovative DFT transpiration hydroponics model, Improved flower, root and bulb growth by adjusting the B-R light ratio formula, using vertical farming has already been proven to be a highly efficient method of growing spices due to it’s controlled environment and large yield per square meter of land used. The world’s most expensive spices can be grown on a vertical farm,do you know? Reality,it’s going very well with the help of smart climate technology!

As vertical farming gains momentum in revolutionizing agriculture, it is essential to prioritize energy efficiency within HVAC systems. By implementing strategies such as precision climate control, LED lighting technology, and waste heat recovery, vertical farms can enhance their sustainability, minimize energy consumption, and reduce their carbon footprint. The benefits extend beyond environmental advantages, with increased crop yields, reduced water usage, and year-round production ensuring a steady food supply. It’s time we embrace greener agricultural practices and pave the way for a sustainable future.

In addition, it is necessary to map the environment so that the design of, for example, a chiller/cooling water installation can also take the noise level into account. Higher requirements will be placed in a built environment than in an industrial area. On top of that, lighting is also of great importance in vertical farming. It is important to adjust the lighting to the HVAC system so that an optimal growing environment is created. In addition, controlling lighting can also help reduce energy consumption.

HVACD stands for heating, ventilation and air conditioning,D stands for dehumidification. Every developer, designer and dreamer would do well to include climate management as a foremost systems consideration — in line with lighting, racking, irrigation and automation — during the conceptual and facility planning stage. Only then can vertical farming rise to its full potential. Growers can save energy and money by choosing a “premium efficiency”HVACD with dehumidification. Discover even more info on https://www.opticlimatefarm.com/.

OptiClimate Farm brings together technical experts from China, Japan, Korea, United States and Europe, and a professional team composed of marketing experts, growers and technology innovators. Our plant factory facilities and technology have been developed and patented in 2020, and the international company OPTICLIMATE FARM LIMITED was established. OptiClimate vertical farming companies have obtained the following certificates: OEM supplier series certificate, SGS certificate, Plant factory patent certificate, CE series certificate, DNA series certificate, ETL certificate, ISO90001 certificate, etc.

HVAC is very important in vertical farming because it can control and optimize the growing environment of the plants. Resulting in healthy plants and high yields. If done properly. There are six advantages of an HVAC system for vertical farming: HVAC ensures an optimal temperature in the growing environment, which is crucial because plants develop optimally within a certain temperature range. An optimal and constant temperature range ensures optimal plant growth, resulting in maximum yield.

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Vertical growing systems supplier from China

Feb
20

Vertical growing systems wholesale by OpticlimateFarm: Year-Round Food Production – Controlled growing environments in warehouses enable the cultivation of seasonal foods all year round. This helps ensure consistent supply and shorter harvest times without compromising produce quality. Consumers can then enjoy their favorite fresh fruits and greens regardless of the season and without shipping them in from far away. Adverse Weather Protection – Extreme weather can severely affect traditional farming — freezing temperatures stifle plant growth, droughts cause crops to die, excessive rain damages the soil and so on. Growing crops in climate-controlled warehouses protects them from inclement weather so such natural catastrophes don’t impact crop yields and ensure predictable harvests. See additional details at https://www.opticlimatefarm.com/service.

These vertical growing systems are gaining popularity in environments where growing fruits and vegetables is more challenging. Desert and mountain-side towns are beginning to see skyscraper-like vertical farming designs, incorporating innovative methods such as hydroponics, aeroponics, and aquaponics. Companies, for example, plants its vegetables on hydraulic-powered shelves that rotate throughout the day to ensure plants receive sunlight and water while the farm minimizes water, land, and energy consumption.

While vertical farming is an exciting new development for the food supply sector, this new method is not without its drawbacks. First, the consumer cost of items grown in vertical farms is much higher than the costs of traditionally grown items. This results from the massive amount of funding still needed to build farms large enough to allow for lower prices. Equipment also adds to the price tag; heating and cooling systems, shading technologies, lights, environmental controls, and other equipment all require considerable capital.

Our solution consists of a fully automated solar powered vertical indoors farm. Innovative DFT transpiration hydroponics model, Improved flower, root and bulb growth by adjusting the B-R light ratio formula, using vertical farming has already been proven to be a highly efficient method of growing spices due to it’s controlled environment and large yield per square meter of land used. The world’s most expensive spices can be grown on a vertical farm,do you know? Reality,it’s going very well with the help of smart climate technology!

The choice of refrigerant used in the cooling systems affects, among other things, the purchase price, service and maintenance costs, energy consumption, and lifespan. Properly maintaining an HVAC system can ensure that the system remains efficient and lasts longer. It is important to perform regular maintenance, such as replacing filters and cleaning ducts. HVAC systems can produce a lot of noise, which can be a nuisance to the surrounding area. It is important to pay attention to the different noise levels during the design phase. Growing spaces without personnel require different sound requirements than processing spaces, for example.

However, this innovative farming method requires precise control over environmental conditions to ensure optimal plant growth and productivity. One crucial aspect of vertical farming is the implementation of energy-efficient HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems. These systems play a vital role in maintaining the ideal temperature, humidity, and air quality levels necessary for successful crop cultivation. In this article, we will explore the significance of energy-efficient HVAC systems and their benefits for vertical farming.

One of the best ways to utilize indoor spaces is by installing vertical racking systems. Vertical farming has shown, time and time again, to be a viable solution for increasing crop yield within a given area. However, with the right technology, vertical racking systems can be used for both propagation and flower andvegetable . Vertical systems have been compared with traditional, single level methods and vertical farming has continually produced more crop per unit area. Indoor vertical farming becomes the most effective when maximizing the grow space between tiers/levels, using specialized HVACD and LEDs. Discover additional info at https://www.opticlimatefarm.com/.

The OptiClimate Farm product series are suitable for indoor vertical farming and shipping container farming, which divided into indoor plant factories and container plant factories. You only need to provide your area and planting needs, and we will professionally design the layout for you and provide supporting combination products, including planting air conditioners, 3-function combined planting tanks, vertical combined planting shelf, hydroponic digital control system, CO2 intelligent control system, automatic humidification system, nutrient solution UV sterilization system, T8 plant light and air shower system, etc. Whatever you make vertical farming at home or outdoor, OptiClimate Farm provides the intelligent growth solutions for our partners. Hope for your cooperations in the future!

Vertical farming HVAC systems play a vital role in maintaining optimal environmental conditions for crop growth. However, they also consume a significant amount of energy. By implementing energy-efficient solutions, vertical farms can minimize their carbon footprint and achieve sustainable agricultural practices. Let’s explore some key strategies. Precision climate control systems regulate temperature, humidity, and CO2 levels in the vertical farm. By integrating smart sensors and automation, these systems can optimize the use of energy resources based on real-time crop requirements.

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Top rated hvac for grow rooms wholesale

Oct
18

Excellent hydroponic air conditioner wholesale: OptiClimate Farm brings together technical experts from China, Japan, Korea, United States and Europe, and a professional team composed of marketing experts, growers and technology innovators. Our plant factory facilities and technology have been developed and patented in 2020, and the international company OPTICLIMATE FARM LIMITED was established. OptiClimate vertical farming companies have obtained the following certificates: OEM supplier series certificate, SGS certificate, Plant factory patent certificate, CE series certificate, DNA series certificate, ETL certificate, ISO90001 certificate, etc. Read extra information on grow room climate controller.

The Importance of Energy-efficient HVAC Systems in Vertical Farming: Vertical farms are typically enclosed structures where crops are grown in stacked layers or on vertical surfaces. This controlled environment allows farmers to maximize space utilization and minimize water and pesticide usage. However, maintaining optimal conditions within these structures is crucial for plant growth, yield, and overall farm profitability. Energy-efficient HVAC systems help maintain optimal temperature levels in vertical farms.

We’ve often referred to the importance of HVACD systems to every layer of the cultivator’s business, but how do you choose which approach is right for your facility? The truth is, OptiClimatefarm there are a number of technologies that can successfully manage the climate in an indoor facility. One of our most important responsibilities as your design partner is to review with you all options in depth, along with budgets and their respective pros and cons, to assist with the decision-making process.

Vertical farming has gained immense popularity in recent years as a viable solution to tackle the challenges of traditional agriculture. By utilizing vertical space, these systems allow crops to be cultivated in stacked layers, reducing land usage and dependency on external factors such as weather conditions. With the advent of advanced lighting systems and hydroponic cultivation techniques, vertical farms can produce crops year-round, regardless of the seasonal limitations. Precise temperature regulation ensures accelerated plant growth, improved crop quality, and reduced crop cycle times.

OptiClimatefarm lab team has been working on something even more unusual – saffron, aka the world’s most expensive spice. For years, the team has commercialized the growing of vertical leafy greens, herbs, tomatoes & peppers for global growers. 4 tons of saffron seed balls could be grown in only 100m2 OptiClimatefarm with Smart Climate + Artificial Light vertical grow rack technology to optimize planting density in a controlled environment indoors.

HVAC provides the right humidity level in the growing environment, which is essential for plant growth. An HVAC system can maintain constant humidity levels and thus provide optimal growing conditions. HVAC ensures good air circulation in the growing environment, which provides sufficient CO2 and oxygen for healthy plant growth. Additionally, air circulation can help prevent mold and rot. HVAC ensures good air quality in the growing environment by filtering out pollutants like dust, mold, and bacteria, which creates a healthy growing environment. The filtration system can also reduce odors in the environment. Read extra details at https://www.opticlimatefarm.com/.

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How Plantations International is Revolutionizing Agricultural Sustainability

Mar
03

Sustainable Agriculture with a Heart: Plantations International’s Vision for a Better Future: Plantations International will report publicly on its sustainability performance, and is committed to sharing performance and management practices with interested stakeholders to promote transparency and adoption of best known methods. In recent years, consumers of timber have become increasingly aware of the environmental and economic consequences of illegal logging and unsustainable forestry practices. Voluntary initiatives to source legal, sustainable timber have become established.

Why Agriculture? ​Agriculture has become an attractive investment destination for a number of reasons. Most important of all being the strong market fundamentals in support of the sector on both the demand and supply side. An increasing population, changing demographics, reductions in arable land and climate change have led to an urgent need of more productive methods of growing food. Food and agriculture as an asset class falls under the broad investment category of real assets which are physical in nature and provide hard tangible ownership. Real assets broadly include commodities, property, infrastructure, timberland and agriculture also classified as farmland. Agriculture as a sector has been rising in prominence over the past decade reaching over 8 USD trillion in value.

Food security, at the individual, household, national, regional and global levels [is achieved] when all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life. Furthermore, low levels of food security place significant stress on government expenditures. It forces governments to invest substantial resources in the short-term through social safety net programs and conditional cash transfers. It also increases their reliance on food imports which is detrimental to long term food self-sufficiency. The FAO has reported that high rates of malnutrition can lead to a GDP loss of as much as 4-5%.

With offices, plantations, and representatives across Asia, Europe, and Africa, Plantations International is a multinational plantation and farm management company that specializes in providing sustainable agricultural and forestry or “agroforestry” management services for its clients. Plantations International has clients ranging from private individuals to large landholders and corporate investors. We put teamwork, innovation, and our passion for creating “Ethical & Sustainable Capital” at the heart of everything we do.

Caloric Requirements: Not only is world population growing, but its diet is changing too. As people become more affluent they start eating more food, thereby increasing the necessity for more supply. Food consumption, in terms of kcal/person per day has consistently risen throughout the world. It has increased from an average of 2,360 kcal/person per day in the mid-1960s to 2,900 currently. This growth has been accompanied by significant structural change. Diets have shifted towards more livestock products (meat and dairy), cereals (coarse grains, wheat and rice) and away from staples such as roots and tubers. Tubers include potatoes, sweet potatoes and yams. Roots include carrots and turnips. 1.4 billion hectares of land the equivalent of 28% percent of the world’s agricultural area is used annually to produce food that is lost or wasted. The total volume of water used each year to produce food that is lost or wasted (250km3) is equivalent to three times the volume of Lake Geneva.

Different greenhouse gases have very different heat-trapping abilities. Some of them can even trap more heat than CO2. A molecule of methane produces more than 20 times the warming of a molecule of CO2. Nitrous oxide is 300 times more powerful than CO2. Other gases, such as chlorofluorocarbons (which have been banned in much of the world because they also degrade the ozone layer), have heat-trapping potential thousands of times greater than CO2. But because their concentrations are much lower than CO2, none of these gases adds as much warmth to the atmosphere as CO2 does. In order to understand the effects of all the gases together, Plantations International scientists tend to talk about all greenhouse gases in terms of the equivalent amount of CO2. Since 1990, yearly emissions have gone up by about 6 billion metric tons of “carbon dioxide equivalent” worldwide, more than a 20% increase. Plantations International is already seeing some of these changes occurring more quickly than they had expected. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, eleven of the twelve hottest years since thermometer readings became available occurred between 1995 and 2006.

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